The importance of intersectoral cooperation for comprehensive health protection on the Isle of Youth, Cuba

Abstract

The Isle of Youth faces a complex health challenge in 2025, characterized by a weakened healthcare system due to insufficient human resources in the health sector and a progressive deterioration of hygienic and environmental conditions. This deterioration includes the uncontrolled accumulation of solid waste in the streets, frequent sewage overflows, the increasing proliferation of vectors such as rodents and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, and the massive presence of stray animals. Domestic animals living on the streets pose a significant risk to local public health. However, surprisingly, there has been no significant increase in the incidence of serious communicable diseases such as leptospirosis, dengue, hepatitis, cholera, or rabies, which are linked to the aforementioned hygienic conditions. This phenomenon can be explained by the combination of active epidemiological surveillance, a robust national vaccination program, and sustained integrated vector control strategies implemented in the territory.