US blockade linked to rising infant mortality in Cuba

Research from the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) indicates that the United States blockade and energy sanctions against Cuba have contributed to a significant rise in infant mortality. According to CEPR researcher Guillaume Long, the infant mortality rate in Cuba increased from 4.0 per thousand live births in 2018 to 9.9 in 2025, representing a 148 percent increase. The report suggests that approximately 1,800 infants might have survived if not for the lack of medical supplies caused by import restrictions and financial barriers.

These difficulties stem from policies such as Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism and the application of the Helms-Burton Act, which hinder the country’s ability to access financing, conduct banking transactions for medical goods, or pay maritime insurance.

Additionally, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez reported that the blockade caused losses exceeding $8 billion between March 2025 and February 2026. Total accumulated damages are estimated at $178.7 billion at current prices. The United Nations Human Rights Council has also been analyzing the economic and social damages resulting from these measures in Geneva.