Cuban Experience Using Growth and Development as a Positive Indicator of Child Health.

Growth and development is considered the best positive indicator of children's quality of life and well-being. Studies have been carried out in Cuba since the early 20th century and large scale, periodic an-thropometric surveys have been regularly conducted by its National Health System to chart modifications in growth patterns of children and adolescents. These surveys have produced national references for the anthropometric indicators most commonly applied in individual assessment of the health and nutritional status of children and ado-lescents in health care settings.

Comprehensive Care for Cuban Children in the First 1000 Days of Life.

The first 1000 days of life constitute a short and exceptionally important period when the foundation is established for children's growth, development and lifelong health. Cuba has a comprehensive care system for this population that aims to promote the best start in life so that children can reach their highest development potential. This is carried out through the national public health and education systems and also includes elements of health protection, prevention of harm and disease and social welfare for children.

[Maternal and child health care in Cuba: achievements and challengesCuidados de saúde materno-infantil em Cuba: conquistas e desafios].

In Cuba, maternal and child health care is based on the priority granted by the State, the implementation of the National Maternal and Child Health Program and the guarantee of equitable access to health services. This article describes the Cuban experience in this field, as well as its main achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Among the most relevant results up to 2015 are the reduction of infant mortality rate and under-five mortality rate to 4.