CUBA, March 23, 2007.- Cuba should be proud for its position in the Human Development Index (HDI), as it corroborates equity in distribution of resources and human growth, the representative of the UN Human Development Program (UNDP), Susan McDade, affirmed here Thursday. Cuba was ranked 50th in the list of 177 countries last year, according to UNDP statistics. The index has been used since 1993 by the United Nations Development Programme in its annual Human Development Report, and measures the average achievements in a country in three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, education, and a decent standard of living, apart from annual economic growth. Cuba has been on the lead of international debate to declare water a right and not a commercial resource, she said. Cuba´s water potential amounts to 38 billion cubic meters, the official informed, and 95.6 percent of the population has access to drinking water services. At present, the Island is committed to improve access to water, and raise institutional and social consciousness for its rational use, she concluded. (Cubaminrex-PL)
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