Cuba and Italy: a comparative study on the determinants of health in a context of limited resources

Italian and Cuban healthcare systems, although operating in very different context, show some of the best evidence in the world in terms of health outcomes. The Cuban model, unique because of an historical-economic-political asset not repeatable, had oriented its development on education and health promotion through a public health approach. The aim of our study is to perform a comparison of the Italian and Cuban healthcare system through the use of health indicators validated at international level in order to identify best practices. Cuba provides health care to all residents focusing strongly on primary care and health promotion and obtains similar results to Italy despite the limited availability of resources. Italy can win the challenge of sustainability and finally make their own healthcare system able to invest in prevention and primary care.