MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY FOR INTESTINAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES, CUBA 1980-1999

Riveron Corteguera Paul L

University Children’s Hospital of Centro Habana, Cuba

In the last 20 years, mortality from intestinal infectious diseases in children under 5 year has greatly decreased worldwide; however, 2.2 millions deaths occurred in this age group in 1998. At present, mortality is considered a major health problem, mainly in underdeveloped countries. Mortality from these diseases in Cuba in under 5 years group has notably reduced, although morbidity constitutes an important health problem during some months of the year because of some seasonal increases in the occurrence of such diseases. This paper shows the results of the work carried out from 1980 on to implement the World Diarrheal Diseases Control Program of the World Health Organization a continuation of the National Program against Gastroenteritis started in 1962. Morbidity data by age groups are provided from 1985 on. Morbidity reductions have been modest; 30.8% in under one year of age; 8.0% in 1-4 years group; 20.1% in under 5 years; 3.5% in 5-14 year group and 15.8% in under 15 years of age. Mortality rate also went down from 1980 to 1999 by 91.0% in under 1 year group; 66.7% years group and by 81.1% in under 15 years. The fundamental elements contributing to this reduction in mortality from diarrheal diseases have been firstly the use of an oral rehydration salt in preventing and treating dehydration; rational use of antimicrobial; increases use of breast deeding only; training of human resources; intensive treatment of critical patients by our health professionals and correct management of diarrhea in primary health care.

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