Santo Domingo.- First Lady Raquel Arbaje announced that comprehensive, values‑centered sex education has been introduced in the early grades of public schools, with plans to expand the curriculum to seventh and eighth grades later this year to further reduce adolescent pregnancies, Diario Libre reported.

“We have begun teaching comprehensive sex education, rooted in values, in our primary grades, and next we will introduce it in seventh and eighth grades,” Arbaje said during the launch of the “Child‑Friendly Justice Guide” for judges and court staff, as reported by the news outlet.

Diario Libre noted that pregnancies among girls and minors declined by 4.15 percent in the first four months of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024.

Alexandra Santelises, Executive Director of the National Council for Children and Adolescents (Conani), explained that every under‑age pregnancy is logged and routed through a “critical response pathway” to ensure access to legal, psychological and family support services. A specialized working group will track cases involving adult‑minor relationships to guarantee accountability and follow‑through, she added.

The announcement coincided with the formal unveiling of the “Child‑Friendly Justice Guide,” a training manual designed to help judges identify and remove barriers that prevent children and adolescents from accessing justice. By pairing preventive education with strengthened legal protections, the government aims to create an integrated framework that promotes both youth well‑being and institutional accountability.

Santo Domingo.— Nineteen tests were positive for the virus in respiratory samples analyzed by the Dr. Defilló National Reference Laboratory, according to the epidemiological bulletin for week 25 of this year.

According to reports, respiratory viruses continue to be detected, with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) predominating, both with a 10.5% positivity rate.

The bulletin for week 25 records a decrease in COVID-19 transmission, with a positivity rate of 5.3%.

Recommendations

The Ministry of Public Health urges the population to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19, especially those in at-risk groups.

It also recommends wearing a mask indoors, washing your hands frequently, and maintaining a well-ventilated room.

It indicates that if the patient experiences a persistent fever or difficulty breathing, they should visit a health center immediately.

It also suggests seeking guidance only from official sources and avoiding the dissemination of unverified information.

Dengue and malaria

In the last four weeks, 16 cases of dengue fever have been confirmed. Through week 24 of this year, 134 cases had been confirmed, and two additional cases were reported last week.

The largest concentrations were in Espaillat province, with 14 cases; La Vega, with 12; Puerto Plata, with 11; San Pedro de Macorís, with nine; Duarte, with eight; Monte Cristi, with six; and Santo Domingo, with six.

The latest two cases involve a three-year-old boy from Santiago and a 13-year-old girl from Santo Domingo Este.

Meanwhile, as of last week, 23 cases of malaria have been confirmed, 22 of which are women and one is a man.

The provinces with the highest number of cases are La Altagracia, with five; San Cristóbal, with three; Santo Domingo, with two; San Pedro de Macorís, with two; and La Romana, with two cases.

From week 1 to week 25, a total of 450 confirmed cases of malaria were reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE), with 60% of the cases involving men.

According to the Ministry of Public Health report, the hotspots of transmission are centered in San Juan province, with 226 cases, and Azua province, with 183 cases.

Maternal deaths

The epidemiological report indicated that two maternal deaths were reported last week involving women aged 18 and 33.

As of this week, the country has recorded 81 maternal deaths nationwide.

He noted that 46% of the cases came from Santiago, with 15; Santo Domingo, with 12; and La Altagracia, with 10.

Forty-three of the cases are Dominicans, and 38 are Haitians.

Infant Deaths

In the penultimate epidemiological week, 31 infant deaths were reported. In comparison, so far this year, there have been a cumulative total of 809 deaths, which, according to health authorities, represents a 24% decrease compared to the same period last year.

So far in 2025, 128 cases of dengue fever, a viral disease transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, have been recorded. The surveillance system has also reported 435 cases of malaria, a febrile disease transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Regarding dengue, Espaillat province accounted for 10.9% of cases, La Vega 9.4%, and Puerto Plata 7.8%. These are the three provinces with the highest incidence.

Malaria

Four cases of malaria were reported, three in the province of San Juan and one in Azua, both endemic areas that maintain active outbreaks of the disease. So far this year, 435 cases have been confirmed, with 50% concentrated in the Azua outbreak, followed by San Juan with 41%, and Elías Piña, which has registered 6% of the cases. Regarding nationality, 71% of those affected are of Dominican origin, while 29% are Haitian citizens. The most affected group is women between 20 and 29 years old. The Epidemiology Directorate reports in its bulletin that no new cases of cholera, leptospirosis, or COVID-19 were recorded.

Good news

The Ministry of Health, in its 24th bulletin, reports that no maternal deaths were reported in the country, which represents the strengthening of care provided to pregnant women in health centers.

As of week 24, 79 maternal deaths have been reported in the Dominican Republic, representing a decrease of eight deaths compared to the same period last year, when 87 were reported.

Recommendations

The Ministry of Health recommends that pregnant women attend their prenatal checkups on time and maintain a balanced diet.

Also, avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances, rest, avoid stress, and take the vitamins and supplements prescribed by your medical staff.

Respiratory viruses

During epidemiological week 24, the Doctor Defilló National Public Health Reference Laboratory processed 70 respiratory samples.

The circulation of different viruses has been confirmed, including Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09, Influenza A (H3N2), Influenza B (Victoria lineage), SARS-CoV-2, and Parainfluenza virus.

The positivity rate for influenza was 12.9%, while for SARS-CoV-2 it was 2.9%. For other respiratory viruses, the rate was 4.3%, and for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), no positive cases were recorded.

Infant mortality

Regarding infant deaths this epidemiological week, 23 deaths were reported. The cumulative number of infant deaths over the past 25 weeks has been 771. Compared to the 2024 period, a reduction of 242 deaths is observed, according to the report.

Drug use

Regarding the commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the official report urges strengthening joint actions to prevent drug use, control trafficking, and protect the health and safety of the population. In the Dominican Republic, strategies to prevent and combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking have been strengthened, it states.

The country is working to strengthen its prevention efforts, according to a report from the General Directorate of Epidemiology.

Santo Domingo— As international alerts emerge regarding a new variant of COVID-19, the Dominican Republic is experiencing a surge in virus circulation, with 247 new confirmed cases recorded over the past three weeks, including 84 instances detected between June 8 and 14.

As of this year, official records indicate a cumulative total of 681 confirmed cases of COVID-19. In the last week of records, the positivity rate for laboratory samples reached 10%.

In the bulletin for epidemiological week 24, released yesterday, the Ministry of Public Health details that of the 84 confirmed cases of COVID-19 during the last week, the National District accounted for 28 cases, Santiago for 19, and Santo Domingo for 8 cases.

The provinces with the highest Cumulative Incidence (CI) were Duarte, with 175.97, and the National District, with 172.07 per 100,000 inhabitants.

The recommendations

The Ministry of Public Health urges the population to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19, especially those in at-risk groups. It also recommends wearing a mask indoors, washing hands frequently, and ensuring good ventilation.

It indicates that if the patient experiences a persistent fever or difficulty breathing, they should seek medical advice immediately. Obtain information only from official sources and refrain from spreading unverified information.

Nimbus

Press reports indicate that this week, European health authorities are warning of a potential surge in COVID-19 infections in the coming months due to the emergence of new, rapidly spreading variants of the virus.

Among them is a new Omicron variant, NB.1.8.1, called Nimbus, which is considered more contagious but less deadly. It is a sublineage of the dominant Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.

Among the symptoms it presents are fever, fatigue, muscle pain, cough, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and occasionally, a characteristic lacerating pain in the throat.

This month, the World Health Organization (WHO) also reported that it is monitoring a new variant of the coronavirus, designated as B. 1.8.1, but stated that although this strain has led to an increase in COVID-19 infections in various regions, the overall risk to the population is considered low.

Severe respiratory

Likewise, the country has recorded some 734 suspected cases and 28 deaths from Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) so far this year, 40 of which were detected in the last week, as part of the sentinel surveillance carried out by the Epidemiology Directorate of the Ministry of Public Health.

Last year to date, sentinel surveillance had detected 815 suspected cases and five deaths from Severe Acute Respiratory Illness or Syndrome, which is defined as a severe form of pneumonia, the infection of which causes severe discomfort or difficulty breathing and can sometimes lead to death.

According to experts, Acute Respiratory Syndrome (ARS) is a respiratory infection that begins suddenly. It is characterized by a high fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, cough, and shortness of breath, often requiring mechanical ventilation.

Respiratory viruses

Meanwhile, among the circulating respiratory viruses detected during the week of June 8-14, influenza was the most prevalent, with nearly 13% of the samples analyzed at the Dr. Defilló National Laboratory testing positive last week.

According to the epidemiological report for week 24, released this Thursday by the Ministry of Public Health, during the week of June 8 to 14, 70 respiratory samples were processed confirming the circulation of different viruses, including Influenza A ( H1N1 ) pdm09, Influenza A ( H3N2 ), Influenza B (Victoria lineage), SARS-CoV-2 and Parainfluenza virus.

It indicates that the positivity rate for influenza was 12.9%, while for SARS-CoV-2, or the COVID-19 virus, it was 2.9%. The positivity rate for other respiratory viruses was 4.3%.

Malaria and dengue

In the last week of the report, four cases of malaria were reported, three of which occurred in the provinces of San Juan and Azua, both endemic areas that have maintained active outbreaks of the disease.

So far this year, 435 cases of malaria have been confirmed, of which 50% (217) were concentrated in the Azua focus, followed by San Juan with 41% (177) and Elías Piña, which registered 6% (26) of the cases.

Regarding nationality, 71% (310) of those affected are of Dominican origin, while 29% (125) are Haitian citizens; the most affected group is women between 20 and 29 years old.

Regarding dengue, the report indicates that 128 cases have been confirmed in the Dominican Republic up to week 24, representing an 86% reduction compared to last year. Espaillat province accounted for the largest share, at 10.9%, followed by La Vega with 9.4% and Puerto Plata with 7.8%.

Maternal deaths

The epidemiological report also highlights that no maternal deaths were reported in the country last week, which is attributed to the increased care provided to pregnant women in health centers.

As of week 24, 79 maternal deaths have been reported in the Dominican Republic, representing a decrease of 8 cases compared to the same period last year, when 87 were reported.

The Ministry of Health recommends that pregnant women attend their prenatal checkups on time, maintain a balanced diet, avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances, rest, avoid stress, and take the vitamins and supplements prescribed by medical personnel.

Maternal deaths

Of infant deaths in that last epidemiological week, 23 deaths were reported, for a cumulative total of 771 deaths so far this year, which, compared to the 2024 period, shows a reduction of 242 deaths.

Drug Use and Trafficking

This week’s epidemiological bulletin focuses on the commemoration of the ” International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking ” on June 26. In this regard, the Ministry of Health urged strengthening joint actions to prevent drug use, control trafficking, and protect the health and safety of the population.

He emphasized that strategies to prevent and combat drug abuse and trafficking have been strengthened in the Dominican Republic through a series of coordinated actions among various institutions.

As part of these initiatives, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education have developed prevention and education programs in schools and communities, promoting awareness campaigns and training health promoters.

In the area of ​​treatment and rehabilitation, specialized centers have been implemented to provide comprehensive care to people with addiction, prioritizing not only medical treatment but also social reintegration.

The costs

The report highlights that drug abuse in the Dominican Republic has a significant impact on the rise of communicable and non-communicable diseases associated with drug use, such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, mental disorders, and overdoses.

It also leads to an overload of public health services for treatment and rehabilitation; an increase in violence related to drug trafficking and organized crime; and a loss of productivity and increased social costs for the State.

It indicates that a 2022 study by the Ministry of Public Health estimated that spending on drug user care exceeds US$5 million annually.

Four cases of malaria were reported, three in the province of San Juan and one in Azua, both endemic areas that maintain active outbreaks of the disease.

So far this year, 435 cases have been confirmed, of which 50% (217) were concentrated in the Azua outbreak, followed by San Juan with 41% (177) and Elías Piña, which registered 6% (26) of the cases. Regarding nationality, 71% (310) of those affected are of Dominican origin, while 29% (125) are Haitian citizens. The most affected group is women between 20 and 29 years old.

During epidemiological week 24, the Doctor Defilló National Reference Laboratory for Public Health processed 70 respiratory samples, confirming the circulation of different viruses, including Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09, Influenza A (H3N2), Influenza B (Victoria lineage), SARS-CoV-2, and Parainfluenza virus.

The positivity rate for influenza was 12.9%, while for SARS-CoV-2, it was 2.9%. For other respiratory viruses, the rate was 4.3%, and for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), no positive cases were recorded.

Infant deaths

Of infant deaths reported this epidemiological week, 23 were reported. In the Dominican Republic, as of SE-24 2025, 771 infant deaths have been recorded, a decrease of 242 compared to the 2024 period.

Santo Domingo.- In a firm commitment to providing top-level healthcare and putting technology at the service of the most vulnerable, the “Ciudad Sanitaria Dr. Luis E. Aybar” held its third Scientific Conference yesterday, focusing on the advances and challenges of modern medicine that remain to be overcome in the country.

During the event, specialists agreed that medicine is undergoing a period of transformation thanks to technological advances that have contributed significantly to providing more accurate diagnoses, less invasive surgeries, and faster recoveries for patients.

The event featured the presentation of the innovative Brain Suite system. This tool combines neurosurgery with artificial intelligence to offer more accurate diagnoses and greater precision when treating delicate areas such as the brain and spine.

According to Dr. Federico Álvarez, this advanced technology combines magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography with augmented reality glasses and a robotic arm, allowing precise surgical navigation.

“The idea is that if you have a patient in the operating room, you can see the inside of the area you’re going to treat and identify tumors, blood vessels, and safe surgical paths,” he explained.

According to Álvarez, who is also the representative of the Brainlab brand in the country, this new and innovative technology, which promises to save thousands of lives and time, will be available in the coming months at the Cardio-Neuro-Ophthalmology and Transplant Center (Cecanot), which will become the first hospital in the world to have this technology.

Individuals currently suffering from respiratory illnesses are more likely to be infected with influenza or COVID-19, the two types of respiratory viruses that have been most prevalent in the country in recent weeks.

Among mosquito-borne diseases, malaria continues to be the most prevalent in the Dominican population, with 435 suspected cases and 12 confirmed cases detected in the first week of June, bringing the total number of suspected cases and 387 confirmed cases so far this year to 13,359.

According to the report for epidemiological week 23, which covers the first seven days of June, 72 samples of respiratory viruses were processed at the Dr. Defilló National Reference Laboratory in Public Health, identifying the circulation of Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09, SARS-CoV-2, and Parainfluenza.

The positivity rates were 4.4% for influenza, 2.9% for SARS-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 virus), and 4.3% for other respiratory viruses. In contrast, no positive cases of syncytial virus (RSV) were reported, the report states, which also highlights that these results indicate the presence of different respiratory viral agents in the population, underscoring the importance of maintaining active and sustained surveillance.

A lot of hygiene

The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) reports that it continues to implement comprehensive measures to reduce the transmission of respiratory diseases, prioritizing early detection, timely treatment, and effective control.

Additionally, the public is reminded to maintain frequent hand washing, wear masks when around people with symptoms, and disinfect surfaces to prevent outbreaks. They are also encouraged to seek medical attention if they experience respiratory problems or other health conditions.

Regarding sentinel surveillance for acute respiratory infections (ARIs), it is reported that 25 suspected cases were reported in the last week, with no confirmed cases, for a cumulative total of 676 suspected cases and 99 confirmed cases so far this year.

Of the total confirmed cases, 76% were in children under 10 years of age. Acute respiratory infection manifests with the sudden onset of a fever of 38°C or higher and respiratory symptoms in the previous 10 days. It can progress to respiratory distress, seizures, or ventilatory failure, which, without prompt intervention, can lead to death.

12 confirmed cases

During the first week of June, the epidemiological surveillance system confirmed 12 cases of malaria and one case of dengue.

Regarding malaria, it is noteworthy that 435 suspected cases and 12 confirmed cases have been reported, bringing the cumulative total to 13,359 suspected cases and 387 confirmed cases so far this year. According to the Ministry of Public Health, this represents a significant reduction compared to the same period in 2024, with a 33% decrease in confirmed cases.

The report indicates that 31.5% of confirmed malaria cases in the Dominican Republic are Haitian, which has prompted increased active case-finding in migrant and agricultural communities.

The Ministry of Public Health reports that it is strengthening strategies for early detection, timely treatment, and vector control to advance the elimination of diseases. These efforts aim to create an effective and sustained response to eradicate malaria in the country.

Dengue on the decline

Between January 1 and January 7, 38 suspected cases of dengue fever were reported, along with one confirmed case, for a total of 947 suspected cases and 120 confirmed cases so far this year.

The report indicates that, compared to the same period in 2024, there was an 88.1% decrease in suspected cases and an 87% decrease in confirmed cases, reflecting a significant reduction in the incidence of the disease.

As of epidemiological week 20 of 2025, the Region of the Americas reported 2,902,500 suspected cases of dengue, with a cumulative incidence of 286 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This figure represents a 71% decrease compared to the same period in 2024 and a 13% decrease compared to the average of the previous five years.

Leptospirosis

Another disease under surveillance is leptospirosis, which is transmitted by a bacterium that infects humans when they come into contact with the urine of infected animals and are exposed to contaminated water.

In the country, during epidemiological week 23, three suspected cases of leptospirosis were reported, bringing the total to 205 suspected cases and 23 confirmed cases for the first six months of the year.

27%, or approximately 55 cases, are patients of Haitian nationality, and 73%, or approximately 149 cases, are Dominicans.

Among the prevention strategies being developed by the Ministry of Health are rodent control and sanitation measures, including improving access to drinking water, reducing exposure to stagnant water, and promoting good hygiene practices. Animal vaccination campaigns are also being conducted, particularly in areas where livestock can serve as a reservoir for the Leptospira bacteria.

The report, issued by the Epidemiology Department (DIEPI), indicates that 72 samples were processed at the Dr. Defilló National Public Health Reference Laboratory and tested negative for common respiratory viruses, including influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, SARS-CoV-2, and parainfluenza.

There were also no new cases of leptospirosis, cholera, or COVID-19.

Regarding dengue, one confirmed case was reported. The total for the year reaches 120 confirmed cases, representing a decrease of 88.1%. There is no epidemiological alert for dengue in 2025. It is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue is an endemic disease, with the highest incidence among children. It is recommended to keep water containers covered and avoid accumulating them in residential yards.

Malaria and Leptospirosis

Twelve positive malaria cases were reported, a 33% reduction in confirmed cases. Regarding leptospirosis, no new cases were reported this week. These are notifiable diseases monitored by the Directorate of Epidemiology.

Mortality

Three maternal deaths were reported (two Dominicans and one Haitian), for a cumulative total of 78. Regarding infant deaths, 21 were recorded, which represents a decrease compared to the 38 reported in the same epidemiological week of 2024.

Blood type “B” positive or any other type is urgently needed for Grismeily Benítez Contreras, 13 years old, who is at Dr. Robert Reid Cabral Pediatric Hospital.

The minor, who, along with her sister, suffers from a rare skin disease called epidermolysis, popularly known as “crystal skin .”

According to an admission document from the aforementioned medical center, the little girl was admitted this Friday due to severe anemia.

Little Álaia has undergone open heart surgery at CEDIMAT, and her family is requesting platelet donors for her recovery.

Those interested in donating should go to the Blood Bank at the aforementioned health center.