Two internationally recognized indicators of a countrys well- being are its infant mortality and life expectancy rates. What are Cubas?
A. Before the Revolution, in 1958, Cuba’s infant mortality rate stood at 60 per 1000 live births (over 100 per 1000 in rural areas). By 1998, infant mortality had been reduced to 7.1 per 1000 live births (the same rate in rural areas). Mortality for children between 1 and 5 years of age was only 9.2 per 1000 children. Cuba’s health care system is responsible for these incredible statistics, more amazing when you consider that in other Latin American regions the infant mortality rate is 33 per 1000 live births, and a mortality rate of 55 per 1000 children between 1 and 5 years of age. Since the Revolution, Cuba’s life expectancy rate has risen 13.2 years, to 75 years of age, matching First World countries.
