CubaMinrex. Sitio del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba

United Nations Praises Health Guarantees for Elderly in Cuba

CUBA, May 22, 2009. The representative of the World and Pan American Health Organizations (WHO-PAHO) in Cuba, Lea Guido, acknowledged public health guarantees that allow Cubans to enjoy a first world longevity.

In an exclusive interview with ACN, Dr. Guido said that aging in Cuba is comparable to that of developed countries.

Dr. Guido said birth services offered at hospitals with high hygienic standards and skilled personal using the latest technology guarantees high longevity rates.

The UN health representative in Cuba added that access to hospitals, sex education and health promotion programs, and medicines for all citizens guarantees a healthy old age.

Nevertheless, Dr. Guido noted that Cuba faces challenges in the future due to its aging population. Almost 17 percent of the population is over 60 years of age, a figure that will increase to 26 percent by 2025, more than 3 million people.

WHO-PAHO appreciates and closely follows measures taken in Cuba in relation to aging, with a view to applying some of them in other countries, said Guido.

The UN official attended the opening ceremony of the Seventh International Satisfactory Longevity Conference, underway until Friday in Havana with the participation of more than 200 delegates from 10 countries. (Cubaminrex- ACN)

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