Santo Domingo.- In response to the presence of anthrax in Haiti, the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) has implemented sanitary measures to protect checkpoint staff from potential infection. Director General Venancio Alcántara advised DGM members to regularly sanitize their work areas with alcohol, following guidelines from the Ministry of Public Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The DGM is also urging those arriving from Haiti to report any symptoms of the disease immediately to health authorities to prevent its spread in the Dominican Republic. The agency has distributed information packets to employees at airports, ports, docks, and especially border crossings, detailing the symptoms of anthrax and its modes of transmission.

Santo Domingo.- Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez assured that anthrax, which has raised health concerns in Haiti, remains under control in the Dominican Republic. He confirmed that no cases of the bacteria have been reported entering the country as of now.

Before attending a session with Attorney General Miriam Germán, Álvarez stated that the Ministries of Health and Defense are overseeing all entry points to prevent the bacteria from crossing into Dominican territory.

On a different note, the Foreign Minister expressed optimism about the new Haitian government led by Garry Conille. He praised Conille’s extensive experience and the skilled team he has assembled to manage the Haitian State.

Regarding the Kenyan-led peacekeeping mission, Álvarez noted that Kenyan troops are now patrolling alongside Haitian police, and results from these efforts are expected soon.

r ...

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Tuesday announced that Guyana has embarked on a plan to make HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus) treatment widely available at all health facilities in order to weed out fears of stigma and discrimination by infected persons going to special treatment centres. “One of the things that we’re doing right now ...

“Breastfeeding is the safest way to feed your baby; post-disaster, water for cleaning bottles and teats is limited”

View the full post Complementary feeding for babies and toddlers post-disaster on NOW Grenada.

Santo Domingo.- Francisco García Espinal, the provincial director of Public Health in Dajabón, has advised the public to practice handwashing, wear masks, and maintain social distancing to prevent anthrax transmission.

García Espinal is awaiting new guidelines and health protocols from the Ministry of Public Health to prevent anthrax cases detected in Haiti from spreading to the Dominican Republic. He emphasized that food imports from Haiti have been under close scrutiny for several months.

“We are continuously monitoring and removing food products from Haiti,” he stated.

While the Ministry of Public Health plans to implement further interventions, García Espinal stressed the importance of following current preventive measures. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid contact with anyone who may be infected.

Anthrax, an airborne bacteria, can infect the airways, causing fever, malaise, and skin sores, which can severely impact the immune system. The disease primarily causes fever, pneumonia, and respiratory issues, and can be fatal if not addressed promptly.

Santo Domingo.- Eddy Alcántara, the executive director of the National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor), announced on Monday that the agency will take stringent measures against businesses that expose bottled water to sunlight due to the health risks it poses.

Alcántara highlighted that Pro Consumidor, during a major operation in 2021 at the start of his administration, had already urged business owners, including grocery stores, supermarkets, and warehouses, to avoid exposing bottled water to direct sunlight.

He instructed the departments of Good Commercial Practices, Inspection and Surveillance, and Consumer Education to intensify verification efforts to rectify this harmful practice.

Alcántara warned that if businesses fail to relocate water bottles to appropriate storage areas, stricter measures and sanctions, first implemented in 2021, will be enforced. These measures include recommending the removal of products from establishments that do not comply with Law 358-05 on Consumer Rights Protection.

Research indicates that bottled water exposed to sunlight can release harmful dioxins and chemicals due to sudden temperature changes. To address this, Alcántara instructed inspectors to promptly notify businesses engaging in this harmful practice.

He emphasized that all operations related to inspection, surveillance, and good business practices are ongoing to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws and the directives of Pro Consumidor’s Executive Directorate.

Political decisions taken this year will determine whether a target to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 can be reached, the United Nations (UN) said Monday. Figures from 2023 show a drop in new infections and fatalities and improvement in access to treatment for HIV-positive patient. But while those figures look positive,...

Dajabón, DR.- Trade at the El Carrizal, Elias Piña border crossing between the Dominican Republic and Haiti has been paralyzed due to health restrictions implemented by the Ministry of Defense in response to a suspected anthrax outbreak in Haiti.

Authorities from the Ministry of Agriculture and agents from the Specialized Corps for Border Security (CESFRONT) are prohibiting the entry of agricultural products, raw meats, and cooked foods into the Dominican Republic from Haiti. This has caused significant frustration among Haitians, who have blocked their border gate, preventing compatriots from crossing with purchased Dominican goods.

“If the Dominicans don’t want us to bring anything, then no one can enter Haiti,” said one Haitian citizen, reflecting the tension at the border.

In Dajabón, border military personnel have increased security measures at the entrance gates to the border market. However, the health controls promised by the Ministry of Public Health are not yet being observed. CESFRONT members are inspecting Haitians by gender to prevent the entry of meat and cooked food from Haiti into the Dominican Republic. The Ministry of Defense’s security protocol also includes inspecting all products entering from Haiti.

The Ministry of Defense has reported that it has taken preventive security measures to protect the Dominican population from the suspected anthrax outbreak in Haiti. These measures include strict health controls and intensified epidemiological surveillance in the border area.

The Ministry of Health remains in constant communication with international organizations, such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to stay informed about the disease’s status.

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday night the implementation of preventive security measures to protect the population due to a suspected anthrax outbreak in Haitian territory.

The Ministry of Health has been in constant communication with international organizations such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based in Haiti.

“These entities have confirmed that, to date, no confirmed cases of anthrax have been diagnosed in the region. Current suspicions are based solely on preliminary clinical evaluations,” the Ministry of Health explained in a press release.

In coordination with the Ministry of Defense, border security protocols have been activated to prevent any possible spread of the disease. These measures include strict health controls and intensified epidemiological surveillance in the border area.

“We reiterate our commitment to the health and safety of the Dominican population. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and keep citizens informed of any relevant updates provided by international organizations.”

Citizens are urged to stay informed through official channels and not to fall for unfounded alarms. The Ministry of Health remains attentive and vigilant in this situation and reaffirms its commitment to public health.