Government of Japan and UNICEF Strengthen Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Maternal-Child Health Services in Eastern Cuba

Havana, December 17, 2025 — The Government of Japan and UNICEF Cuba are launching a new cooperation project, valued at US$1 million, to improve water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) and maternal-child health infrastructure and services in vulnerable communities in Guantánamo, Granma and Santiago de Cuba.

The 24-month initiative prioritizes schools and health centers located in areas exposed to multiple risks, especially benefiting children, adolescents and pregnant women.

“This support from the Government of Japan helps guarantee the right to health, safe water and protective educational environments for thousands of children and adolescents in vulnerable areas in the eastern part of the country, a territory currently in recovery after the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa,” said Sunny Guidotti, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Cuba.

Cuba faces the impact of climate change and extreme events—hurricanes, floods, droughts and earthquakes—that generate annual losses equivalent to 4.6% of GDP and directly affect children, adolescents and pregnant women. In 2024, Granma, Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo endured two hurricanes, unprecedented floods, earthquakes and droughts. In 2025, Hurricane Melissa severely impacted the eastern provinces of the country.

More Resilient Schools: Safe Water and Protective Environments

The first component of the project will strengthen WASH services in institutions under the Resilient School Model, with a focus on vulnerable communities. Plans include rehabilitating and building facilities to ensure water, sanitation and hygiene services in 30 schools and communities, including water supply and storage systems, sanitary facilities and solutions adapted to climate change.

As a result, 5,000 children and adolescents in these three provinces will have adequate water, sanitation and hygiene services in their schools, and an additional 145,000 people from surrounding communities will also benefit.

In addition, the “Three Stars” approach for WASH in schools will be implemented, integrating school gardens, rainwater harvesting, improved water and sanitation systems, multimedia classrooms, first-aid kits and fire extinguishers. Also, 990 teachers and management staff will receive training and awareness-raising to promote hygiene habits, water management and emergency preparedness.

Maternal-Child Health Services Prepared for Emergencies

The second component will reinforce the resilience of maternal-child health services in areas exposed to multiple hazards. Essential equipment and supplies will be provided to ensure continuity and quality of care in at least five maternal-child health institutions. Additionally, 190 professionals will be trained in specialized care and nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life—a critical stage for child development.

Through this initiative, 47,882 newborns and pregnant women will have access to strengthened health services which are better prepared to respond to emergencies, with a focus on equity and gender.

A Strategic Partnership for Resilience

With this new project, the Government of Japan and UNICEF strengthen a strategic partnership that builds on previous programs for universal health coverage, reinforcing the vaccine cold chain, promoting community health and emergency preparedness.

The new initiative aligns with Japan’s development priorities and contributes to ensuring the rights of children and pregnant women, who will have access to essential services more resilient to the impact of climate change and emergencies.