Las Tunas Ends 2009 with 3.6 Infant Mortality Rate
By Alexis Pérez Sánchez

Las Tunas, Cuba, Jan 5, (P26).- Las Tunas closed 2009 with an infant mortality rate of 3.6 per thousand live births, making it the second lowest rate in the history of the territory. The result is only surpassed by the 2.7 rate in 2008.

The mortality rate in children under five years of age was of 5.1, which stands on a par with that of some developed nations.

Dr. Viviana Gutierrez Rodriguez, head of the Mother and Child Care Program in the province, said that the birth rate stood at 6,863 (691 more births than in 2008), and that there had been 25 deaths, against 17 in 2008. The survival rate of children born with less than one thousand 500 grams is 70 percent, she added.

The specialist noted that congenital anomalies, low birth weight and prematurity had the biggest impact on infant mortality.

Health authorities here continue paying close attention to the issue of low birth weight; introducing actions aimed a better knowledge of the situation of the families, their living standards and their lifestyles.

In the struggle to preserve the life of every newborn in Las Tunas stands the combined work of doctors, nurses, obstetricians, pediatricians and numerous other experts.