The infant mortality rate in Cuba rose to 8.2 per 1,000 live births as of July 12, 2025, compared to 7.4 recorded during the same period the previous year, while maternal mortality also showed a concerning increase.
This data, revealed by the Minister of Public Health himself, José Ángel Portal Miranda, before the Health and Sports Commission of the National Assembly of People's Power, confirms the deterioration of the country's healthcare system.
“We have seen an increase in the maternal and infant mortality rate,” acknowledged the head of the department, as cited by the official media Cubadebate, which also reported that the maternal and child program reflects a concerning regression.
As of the specified date, there were 28,400 live births registered, which is 6,738 fewer than in the same period of 2024.
There were 234 child deaths recorded, 26 fewer than the previous year, although low birth rates caused the overall indicator to rise.
According to the report, “the infant mortality rate in Cuba increased by 11% annually until early July of this year,” a figure that, while still keeping the country among the lowest indicators on the continent, reflects a sustained deterioration in comparison to its historical performance.
In 2018, the rate was 3.9 per 1,000 live births, well below the current rate of 8.2, which is nearing the negative peak reached during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it stood at 7.6.
Only six provinces maintain figures below seven infant deaths per thousand births: Sancti Spíritus (1.9), Cienfuegos (3.7), Matanzas (4.2), Pinar del Río (4.3), Artemisa (5), and Las Tunas (5.7).
In the rest of the country, the indicators are worsening amidst a critical shortage of medications, food, specialized personnel, and a medical infrastructure in a precarious state.
Regarding maternal mortality, the minister himself stated before the deputies: "Maternal mortality increased to 56.3 from 37.4, with 16 reported deaths."
Although eight provinces maintain a zero rate, seven others reported maternal deaths, with Guantánamo (3), Holguín (3), and Santiago de Cuba (3) standing out, followed by Granma (2), La Habana (2), Mayabeque (1), Las Tunas (1), and Pinar del Río (1).
Portal attributed the situation to multiple structural difficulties and once again held the U.S. embargo responsible for the deterioration of healthcare services.
He also acknowledged that only 30% of the basic medication stock is available, and that the pharmacies in the country have only 32% of essential products.
The alarming statistics released this Monday by the regime contrast with the figures reported in 2024, when the Cuban government stated that the infant mortality rate up to July of that year stood at 7.4 per thousand live births, already higher than the 7.1 recorded in 2023, confirming a sustained trend of deterioration in the healthcare system.
In 2022, however, Cuba recorded the highest infant mortality rate in 20 years: 7.6 per thousand live births, a figure surpassed in 2025 with an 8.2.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Increase in Infant Mortality in Cuba
Why has infant mortality increased in Cuba in 2025?
The increase in infant mortality in Cuba is primarily due to the deterioration of the country's health system, which is facing a critical shortage of medications, food, specialized personnel, and adequate medical infrastructure. The infant mortality rate has risen to 8.2 per 1,000 live births, reflecting a sustained decline compared to its historical performance. Furthermore, the context of economic and social crisis, along with the low availability of basic resources, has exacerbated this situation.
How has the health crisis affected maternal mortality in Cuba?
Maternal mortality in Cuba has also significantly increased, standing at 56.3 deaths per 100,000 births, compared to 37.4 the previous year. This rise is linked to the multiple structural difficulties within the Cuban healthcare system, which include a lack of medical supplies and specialized personnel, as well as the deterioration of healthcare infrastructure. Furthermore, the system faces additional challenges due to the scarcity of essential resources and medications.
What is the situation regarding the availability of medications in Cuba?
The availability of medications in Cuba is alarmingly low. Only 30% of the essential medicines list is available in the country, and pharmacies have merely 32% of the essential products. This shortage exacerbates the health crisis, directly impacting the health of the Cuban population, especially vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
How has the Cuban government responded to the increase in infant and maternal mortality?
The Cuban government has acknowledged the increase in infant and maternal mortality and has attributed the situation to multiple structural difficulties and the U.S. embargo. However, its response has been deemed ineffective, as urgent health measures such as increased resources, better equipment, or support for expecting mothers have not been implemented. The lack of self-criticism and the insistence on blaming external factors have generated dissatisfaction among the population, which is facing an increasingly precarious health reality.
Filed under:
