Cienfuegos’ Maternal and Child Program Achieves Promising Results in 2025
A new report indicates significant gains in maternal and child health outcomes in Cienfuegos, Cuba, during 2025, despite ongoing economic challenges. The encouraging results, revealed on January 30th via the program Here the Town on Radio Ciudad del Mar, highlight a concerted effort to improve healthcare access and quality for families in the region.
Infant Mortality Rate Reaches Third-Best Nationally
According to Dr. Layrí García Ríos, director of the General Directorate of Health in Cienfuegos province, the region achieved an infant mortality rate of 5.2 per 1,000 live births in 2025. This places Cienfuegos as the third-best performing territory in Cuba for this critical health indicator. Notably, the province also maintained zero mortality from congenital malformations throughout the year.
Investments in Healthcare Infrastructure
Improvements to healthcare facilities played a key role in these positive outcomes. Investments were directed towards the rehabilitation of facilities associated with the Maternal and Child Program (PMI), known locally as PAMI, and enhancements to the neonatology service. Expansion projects are underway at the Cumanayagua maternity home, aiming to increase capacity to over 30 beds. Additionally, repairs were completed at several healthcare premises in the Punta Gorda district of the provincial capital.
Collaborative Effort Drives Success
The achievements are attributed to a broad-based collaborative effort. Armando Carranza Valladares, first secretary of the Provincial Committee of the Cuban Communist Party, emphasized the joint contributions of health professionals and institutions, government support, and the active participation of organizations like Education, the Federation of Cuban Women, and the Union of Young Communists. This multi-sectoral approach underscores the importance of community involvement in public health initiatives.
Support for Vulnerable Pregnant Women and Children
Provincial Director of Labor and Social Security, Jorge Rodríguez, detailed the support provided to pregnant women and young children. Currently, 987 registered pregnant women are receiving a “crib and mattress module” along with other essential resources to ensure their well-being and that of their babies. Special attention is being given to pregnant women in vulnerable situations, and over 2,200 children identified as underweight are receiving protective care within the province.
Facing Demographic Challenges
Despite the progress, officials acknowledge ongoing challenges. A decline in birth rates, with 63 fewer births recorded in 2025 compared to the previous year, coupled with a trend towards population aging, presents new hurdles for the healthcare system.
Prioritizing Key Health Concerns
Dr. Lisbel Aguilar Lezcano, a PAMI advisor in the General Directorate of Health, outlined key priorities for continued improvement. These include preventing adolescent pregnancy, providing comprehensive care for women with chronic non-communicable diseases – particularly hypertension, a significant obstetric risk – and addressing issues like intrauterine growth restriction and unintentional injuries. Reducing low birth weight, improving gestational health monitoring, and promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, as recommended by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund, are also central to the program’s goals.
“Despite the economic and resource difficulties, the commitment of the health sector and community organizations is to continue working for superior results and guarantee a better quality of life for mothers, children and families in Cienfuegos,” confirmed Aguilar Lezcano.
