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Cuba: Among Top Countries with Highest Human Development

United Nations, July 10 (RHC)-- Cuba is among the top countries of the world
with the highest human development. Despite the genocidal U.S. blockade of
the island, Cuba remains near the top according to a recent United Nations
report.

According to Prensa Latina News Agency, a study of 175 countries showed that
86 belong to the medium human development category and 34 to the lower human
development category. In the latest report, Havana ranked 52nd.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) releases an annual report
based on the human capacities and essential conditions created for
development, through realistic and updated criteria. Among the important
indicators: the security of a lasting and healthy life, access to education,
a decent living standard and the enjoyment of political and civic duties to
take part in activities in one's local community.

UNDP tied its analysis on human development to important objectives such as
the reduction of the infant mortality rate, improvement of the mother's
health, the fight against dangerous childhood diseases, the right to primary
school education and gender equity.

According to the study, for the past three decades, Cuba has far exceeded
the key UN targets -- including the immunization of at least 80 percent of
the children and reduction of the infant mortality rate to less than 12 for
every 1000 live births (in Cuba, the infant mortality rate hovers around six
percent).

In addition, Cuba had eradicated polio long before the UN target date of the
year 2000 (in the 1960s), surpassed a life expectancy of more than 60 years
and boosted economic growth in different periods. Another indicator placing
Cuba among the countries with a high human development is the sustainability
of the island's environment.

Radio Habana Cuba