The Public Health Sector and Nutrition in Cuba

Abstract

In Cuba, the responsibility for food and nutrition security is shouldered first and foremost by government. That is, government is obligated to develop and implement policies towards ensuring that the entire population has consistent access to safe and nutritious foods in sufficient quantities to satisfy daily nutritional requirements and food preferences, contributing to an active and healthy life. This is a tall order under any circumstances. But for Cuba, a small island nation with a GDP of US$46 billion (2008), measuring up is tougher still, especially in the historical and international contexts.