During the 2024–2025 biennium, Cuba successfully included 94 municipalities into the Healthy Municipalities, Cities, and Communities Movement, representing more than half of the country’s total municipalities. This sustained growth reflects strengthened local action on the social determinants of health and increased intersectoral commitment at the territorial level.

PAHO’s technical cooperation was decisive in achieving this progress, by promoting the progressive implementation of the national strategy and supporting its update for the period 2024–2030, ensuring alignment with current priorities related to health, territorial development, and community participation. In addition, PAHO facilitated the mobilization of resources from Australia to support the incorporation of the municipalities of Viñales, Consolación del Sur, and Pinar del Río, while providing technical assistance to strengthen local government capacities in approaches that focus on health for all, intersectoral work, and participatory governance.

This achievement contributes to the creation of healthier, more comprehensive, and resilient environments, with positive impacts on health promotion, the reduction of health gaps, and the sustainability of local public policies. The movement’s expansion consolidates a national platform for intersectoral action and strengthens the role of municipal governments as key actors in improving population health and well being.

Photo caption: Healthy Municipalities, Cities, and Communities Movement incorporation in Viñales, Pinar del Río
Credit: PAHO