Data from UNICEF
The children of Cuba
UNICEF considers Cuba's system of protection of children, the first stage of infancy, as exemplary, stating that " since 1959, Cuba has progressively established a national system of day care centers and educational programs, and preschool programs in the first stage of infancy, that encompasses 98.3% of this group".
In a recent study by UNICEF on the welfare and the treatment of children, 5 measures were used:
Mortality of children under 5 years old
Weight of children according to age and height
Number attending schools
Possibility of danger due to armed conflict
Possibility of acquiring AIDS
In this study in which 144 countries participated Cuba came in 28th place Of the 27 countries that bettered Cuba, 18 were from Europe and 9 from Africa and Asia.
This study did not take into account child prostitution, child kidnapping, homeless children, the trafficking of children, nor the sale of organs. Things which do not occur in Cuba and which if considered would have placed it well above other countries in the world.
Other facts about the welfare of the children in Cuba:
Cuba has an infant mortality rate of 7.2, one of the lowest in the world and comparable to many developed nations.
Cuba has 98% of children under the age of 2 vaccinated for childhood diseases.
Cuba has one doctor for every 172 persons. One of the best ratios in the world.
Cuba has avg. of 4.9 pediatrician visits per child under 1 year old.
Other UN studies indicate that:
There is no infantile death due to malnutrition in Cuba
Cuba was ranked number 1 in Latin America in prenatal care Life expectancy in Cuba is 71 years, second only to Chile in Latin America.
Cuba is ranked number 1 in prenatal care in Latin America.
Cuba exports more doctors to the third world than the World Health Organization ( WHO )
Cuban doctors have saved many children from childhood diseases
Even with terrible economic conditions and even with the U.S. embargo, Cuba is an example before the world in child welfare, health and education. In Cuba children do not have to suffer the exploitation and violence children suffer in other nations. Children can grow up in a safe environment, free of drugs and violence. They can grow up having a happy childhood.