Recent statistics from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) reveal that malnutrition has become an alarming cause of death in Cuba, underscoring the island's ongoing food crisis. Between 2022 and 2023, deaths linked to malnutrition surged by 74.42%, increasing from 43 to 75, making it the twentieth leading cause of death in the nation, according to figures analyzed by El Toque.
The report highlights that the majority of those who succumbed to malnutrition were men, with deaths rising from 26 to 53 within a year. Meanwhile, the number of female fatalities increased from 17 to 22. These statistics align with the E40 to E46 categories of the International Classification of Diseases by the World Health Organization, which encompass severe hunger conditions such as kwashiorkor and marasmus.
Vulnerable Populations at Risk: Children and the Elderly
International organizations, including Unicef, have raised concerns about the impact of this crisis on the most vulnerable groups, particularly children. For the first time, Unicef included Cuba in its report on child food poverty, emphasizing that less than 10% of children on the island have access to basic foodstuffs like fruits, vegetables, meat, or fish.
Furthermore, 9% of children consume only two out of eight essential foods needed for a healthy life, a figure that could be higher according to the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH). School nutrition has also been compromised, as the Food Monitor Program reports that 90% of primary schools lack potable water, leading to highly unbalanced diets and exacerbating issues such as undernutrition and "hidden hunger."
For the elderly, the increased costs associated with the Family Attention System (SAF) have led nearly half of its beneficiaries to leave the program since 2021. This system, once a crucial source of food for vulnerable groups like retirees and pensioners, has raised its prices from 1 CUP to 26 CUP per day, leaving thousands without this essential aid.
Root Causes of the Food Crisis
Cuba's dependency on imports, which account for over 80% of the basic food basket, combined with minimal investment in the agricultural sector—less than 3% as of 2024—exacerbates food insecurity. Additionally, the gradual reduction of food distributed through the ration book has left millions of Cubans struggling to secure the essentials for survival.
According to the United Nations, malnutrition is a preventable cause of death. However, the current state of affairs in Cuba indicates a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention to prevent further deterioration.
Understanding the Food Crisis in Cuba
What has been the increase in malnutrition-related deaths in Cuba?
Malnutrition-related deaths in Cuba increased by 74.42% between 2022 and 2023, rising from 43 to 75 fatalities.
How does Cuba's dependency on imports affect food security?
Cuba's reliance on imports for over 80% of its basic food needs, coupled with inadequate investment in agriculture, significantly contributes to the country's food insecurity.
What are the challenges faced by schools in Cuba regarding nutrition?
Most primary schools in Cuba lack access to potable water, resulting in imbalanced diets that worsen issues like undernutrition and "hidden hunger" among students.