From The Rio Times · Contributing Reporter · · 1m 30s
Cuba Infant Deaths Rise to 9.9 per 1,000
Cuba's infant mortality rate jumps 39% to 9.9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025, driven by US sanctions and power shortages.
In brief
Cuba's infant mortality rate jumps 39% to 9.9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025, driven by US sanctions and power shortages. Cuba's health ministry reports 9.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025, up from 7.1 in 2024, with PAHO citing power cuts and medical supply shortages. Originally reported by The Rio…
Cuba's Infant Mortality Rate
Cuba's health ministry reports 9.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025, up from 7.1 in 2024.
Births Fell 4% in 2025
Births dropped to 68,051 in 2025, a decline of 3,108 from 2024.
PAHO Cites Power Shortages
PAHO says prolonged power outages and medical supply shortages strain newborn care.
US Embargo Cited by Ministry
Cuba's health ministry links rising deaths to US economic sanctions and medical restrictions.
PAHO Reports 32,000 High-Risk Pregnant Women
PAHO states over 32,000 pregnant women face higher risks due to reduced ultrasounds and delayed diagnoses.
Disputed Causes of Increase
A Washington think tank blames US sanctions, while the ministry lists other factors including disease outbreaks.
No 2026 Rate Published
Cuba has not released an official infant mortality rate for 2026.
Power Index Ranks Cuba 14th
Cuba ranks 14th in The Rio Times Latin America Power Index with 22.5 points as of November 2026.
Municipal and Provincial Rates
Seventeen municipalities reported no infant deaths, with Pinar del Río, Sancti Spíritus, Cienfuegos and Holguín having the best rates.
The big picture
Cuba's health ministry reports 9.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025, up from 7.1 in 2024, with PAHO citing power cuts and medical supply shortages.
