I read an article today stating that Cuba has become the first to eliminate mother to fetus transfer of syphilis and HIV. Less than 50 cases in 100,000 represents elimination to the World Health Organization, and this has been achieved in Cuba. Congratulations to the Cuban health care industry.
Before we get all misty eyed about the greatness of universal health coverage and socialized/Marxist control of medical care, we should take time to note a few facts. One, Cuba has a total population of about 11 million (New York City has about 8.5 million by comparison, and the U.S. as a whole has over 325 million documented residents). Two, Cuba had 9.9 births per 1000 residents last year (compare with 13.42 per 1000 residents in the U.S. last year). My point here is that the scale of the operation matters. Taking care of 4 versus taking care of 1200 is a much more manageable situation.
So, for my two cents, this achievement--and it is an achievement--is not one that is easily replicable in most developed industrial states. Nor is this achievement replicable for highly populous states. The achievement is remarkable and laudable, even happening in Cuba.
Before we get all misty eyed about the greatness of universal health coverage and socialized/Marxist control of medical care, we should take time to note a few facts. One, Cuba has a total population of about 11 million (New York City has about 8.5 million by comparison, and the U.S. as a whole has over 325 million documented residents). Two, Cuba had 9.9 births per 1000 residents last year (compare with 13.42 per 1000 residents in the U.S. last year). My point here is that the scale of the operation matters. Taking care of 4 versus taking care of 1200 is a much more manageable situation.
So, for my two cents, this achievement--and it is an achievement--is not one that is easily replicable in most developed industrial states. Nor is this achievement replicable for highly populous states. The achievement is remarkable and laudable, even happening in Cuba.
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