Although the province of Ciego de Ávila records an infant mortality rate of 6.4 per 1,000 live births so far this year—slightly below the national average of 6.5—experts warn that this result should not breed complacency, especially when there is a significant decline in birth rates and an increase compared to the previous year.
According to Dr. Yastra Nolasco Pérez, a pediatrician with the Maternal and Child Care Program (PAMI) in the region, by May 11, 2025, there had been 628 recorded births, a decrease of 297 compared to the same period in 2024, when there were 925, stated the weekly publication Invasor.
A setback amidst low birth rates
The year 2024 ended with an infant mortality rate of 5.8, the lowest in the past five years and the 13th in provincial history since 1977. However, the new increase in mortality figures, combined with a decline in births, reveals structural weaknesses in prenatal and neonatal care.
Among the main causes of death are neonatal morbidity, low birth weight, and preterm births. These complications are more prevalent in the municipalities of Bolivia, Ciro Redondo, and Ciego de Ávila, as detailed by Nolasco Pérez.
Additionally, chronic hypertension with associated preeclampsia is another factor that requires pregnancies to be interrupted before 37 weeks, increasing the neonatal risk.
In the first months of the year, 41 cases of low birth weight have been reported, many of which are associated with adolescent pregnancies.
Infant and school mortality are also concerning
The mortality rate among preschool-aged children was 3.4 per 1,000 children, with two fatalities, while the rate for school-aged children was 2.2, with four fatalities.
In response to these indicators, local health authorities are implementing intensive interventions to reevaluate 100% of infants and pregnant women, with early admission to maternal homes starting at 20 weeks for pregnant adolescents, and hospitalization beginning at week 36, as measures to ensure better conditions for childbirth.
Challenges to sustain what has been achieved
During the Annual Health Review in the province, Dr. Nilka Pita Alemán was recognized for her management as provincial director, and the new appointee, Dr. Kesnel Lima Ruiz, was introduced in his role. Both will face the challenge of maintaining and improving health indicators in a context of low birth rates, resource scarcity, and increasing pressure on medical services.
Local specialists emphasize the need to strengthen community work, early sexual education, and the effective operation of maternal homes in all municipalities, as essential pillars for improving maternal and child health in the medium term.
The population of Cuba has declined to eight million, according to an independent study
The resident population in Cuba has alarmingly decreased in recent years, and according to an independent demographic study, it now stands below eight million people, which represents a 24% decline in just four years, a figure that the author compares to wartime scenarios.
The research, published last March and conducted by the renowned Cuban economist and demographer Juan Carlos Albizu-Campos, which was accessed by EFE, estimates that by the end of 2024, there will be 8,025,624 people living on the island, significantly below the 9,748,532 reflected in Cuban official statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Maternal and Infant Health Crisis in Ciego de Ávila
What is the current situation of infant mortality in Ciego de Ávila?
The infant mortality rate in Ciego de Ávila is 6.4 per 1,000 live births, slightly below the national average of 6.5. However, this result should not inspire confidence, as there is a significant decrease in births and an increase in mortality compared to the previous year.
What factors contribute to the increase in infant mortality in Ciego de Ávila?
The main factors contributing to the increase in infant mortality in Ciego de Ávila are neonatal morbidity, low birth weight, and preterm births. Additionally, chronic hypertension associated with preeclampsia necessitates the interruption of pregnancies before 37 weeks, which raises the neonatal risk.
What measures are health authorities taking to address this situation?
Local health authorities are implementing intensive interventions to reassess 100% of infants and pregnant women. These measures include early admission to maternity homes from 20 weeks for pregnant adolescents and hospitalization starting at week 36, with the aim of being in better condition for delivery.
How does low birth rates affect the healthcare system in Ciego de Ávila?
The low birth rate in Ciego de Ávila is reflected in a decrease in births, which until May 11, 2025, totaled 628, a figure lower than the 925 recorded in the same period in 2024. This decline highlights structural weaknesses in prenatal and neonatal care, which impacts the healthcare system's ability to maintain positive indicators.
What challenges does the new health director of Ciego de Ávila face?
The new health director of Ciego de Ávila, Dr. Kesnel Lima Ruiz, faces the challenge of maintaining and improving health indicators in the context of a low birth rate, limited resources, and increasing pressure on medical services. Strengthening community work and early sexual education are fundamental pillars for enhancing maternal and child health in the medium term.
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