Cuba's Maternity Homes, 1962-2017: History, Evolution, Challenges.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Healthcare Systems

Background:

• Cuba established maternity homes in 1962 to expand healthcare access.
• These homes aimed to improve health outcomes for pregnant women, mothers, and newborns.
• Initially, they increased institutional births by offering a hospital-proximate, home-like environment with free care.

Observation:

• Over 55 years, maternity homes adapted their services, admission criteria, and focus.
• Admission evolved to prioritize expectant mothers with specific risk factors, beyond geographical considerations.

Findings:

• The role of maternity homes in ensuring healthy nutrition became critical during the 1990s economic crisis.
• These homes have been a key component of Cuba's public health system's Maternal-Child Health Program.

Implications:

• The historical evolution demonstrates the adaptability of primary healthcare models.
• Understanding these changes offers insights into managing maternal and child health programs in resource-constrained settings.