Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic will host the Seventh International Congress on Health and Wellness Tourism from October 22 to 23, bringing together experts from the United States, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, and Argentina. Notable participants include the president and CEO of Mass General Brigham, a major U.S. medical institution.

The event will convene leaders from the healthcare, tourism, finance, government, and technology sectors to explore global trends, innovations, regulatory issues, and investment opportunities in the industry. The Dominican Republic currently ranks as the top destination in the Caribbean and second in Latin America on the Medical Tourism Index.

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Healthy Choices for Healthy Living Guidelines is a vital national tool designed to promote nutrition, wellness, and active living across our communities

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The agency reported that no cases of cholera or leptospirosis were recorded this week. One case of dengue fever was reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 154, a downward trend compared to the same period in 2024, when 26 were reported.

Seven cases of malaria have been reported. So far this year, from epidemiological week 1 to 29, the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE) has reported a total of 649 cases in the country. 69.1% of confirmed cases are male. The active foci of transmission are concentrated in the provinces of San Juan (267 cases) and Azua (339 cases).

During EW 29, 22 cases of COVID-19 were reported, distributed mainly in the National District with 13 instances, Espaillat 2, Duarte 1, La Vega 1, Peravia 2, San Cristóbal 1, San Pedro de Macorís 1, and Santo Domingo 1. The accumulated positivity in the last four weeks is 8%.

Maternal and infant deaths

The bulletin reported 25 infant deaths during this epidemiological week, bringing the total to 970. Last year, at the same time, there were 1,243 deaths, reflecting a decrease.

Two maternal deaths were reported, corresponding to two women, one of Haitian nationality and one of Dominican nationality. The cumulative death toll is 91, reflecting a 12% decrease compared to 2024, when 103 were reported.

To reduce maternal and infant mortality, the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the National Health Service (NHS), has developed various strategies, including improving prenatal and postnatal care, strengthening obstetric and neonatal services, and providing ongoing training for health personnel.

Santo Domingo —The Ministry of Public Health reported that during epidemiological week 29, the country reported 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

These cases were distributed among the National District, with 13 cases; Espaillat, with two; and Duarte, with one case, among other provinces.

He indicated that the cumulative positivity rate over the last four weeks is 8%, and the national cumulative incidence (CI) reached 74.24 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

The provinces with the highest AI are the National District with 181.08 and Duarte with 177.64 per 100,000 inhabitants.

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

He also recommended wearing a mask indoors, washing hands frequently, and keeping the room well ventilated.

If you experience persistent fever or difficulty breathing, it is recommended that you seek medical attention immediately.

Dengue and malaria

The Epidemiological Week 29 bulletin reports that no cases of cholera or leptospirosis were recorded this week. One case of dengue fever was reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 154, a downward trend compared to the same date in 2024, when 26 were reported.

Seven confirmed cases of malaria have been reported, while so far this year, the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE) has reported a total of 649 cases in the country.

69.1% of confirmed cases are male. Active transmission hotspots are concentrated in the provinces of San Juan, with 267 cases, and Azua, with 339 cases.

Breastfeeding

Public Health highlights that World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually from August 1 to 7 in more than 170 countries, including the Dominican Republic. Its motto is: Let’s Prioritize Breastfeeding, Building Sustainable Support Systems.

Public Health indicated that the latest measurement of exclusive breastfeeding at the national level was 16%.

It highlights that approximately 193 breastfeeding rooms are operating in the Dominican Republic, created to promote and facilitate this essential practice, offering mothers and their babies adequate, safe, and dignified spaces that encourage feeding.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) define breastfeeding as the best form of nutrition for the growth and development of newborns, exclusively from birth until six months of age, and then continued with complementary feeding until at least two years of age.

They suggest that breastfeeding should be the first option in the early stages of life for any healthy child, and even more so for at-risk, premature, and/or sick newborns.

They indicate that it affects the physical and mental health of infants, not only at this stage, but throughout their entire lives.

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health’s latest epidemiological bulletin paints a stark picture of rising respiratory infections and a worrying toll of infant fatalities during week 29 (July 13–19). Authorities confirmed 22 new COVID-19 cases out of 209 samples—an 8 percent positivity rate—while 25 children under one year old lost their lives, bringing the year-to-date infant death total to 970.

The National Reference Laboratory Dr. Defilló detected active circulation of multiple respiratory viruses, including influenza B (Victoria lineage) at 8.3 percent positivity, and a combined 13.9 percent for adenovirus, parainfluenza, influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus. Sentinel surveillance recorded 24 severe acute respiratory infections, raising the 2025 cumulative to 882 cases.

Infant mortality soars amid respiratory outbreak

Child mortality remains a critical concern: neonatal deaths accounted for 85.4 percent (829) of the total infant fatalities. Public Health also reported two maternal deaths this week—one Haitian and one Dominican woman aged 20–39—bringing the maternal death count to 91, a 12 percent decline from 103 at this stage in 2024.

Vector-borne diseases held steady. Of 303 suspected malaria cases, seven tested positive, contributing to a 2025 tally of 649 laboratory-confirmed infections, with San Juan and Azua provinces most affected. Dengue fever saw 26 suspected cases and one confirmed infection, while leptospirosis recorded seven new suspicions and no additional confirmations. No deaths were linked to malaria, dengue or leptospirosis.

Regions hardest hit by COVID-19 included the National District, Espaillat and Duarte, with an incidence of 74.24 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last four weeks. Health officials urge continued vaccination, mask use in crowded settings and prompt medical attention for respiratory symptoms, especially among infants and pregnant women.

With respiratory pathogens on the rise and nearly a thousand young lives lost, public health experts warn that strengthened surveillance, expanded ICU capacity and community outreach are essential to avert further tragedies. The week 29 report underscores the urgent need for sustained investment in the country’s healthcare infrastructure to protect its most vulnerable citizens.

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Santiago de los Caballeros.- Executives from the Specialized Hospital for Advanced Medicine (HEMA) announced that construction is nearly complete, with the grand opening scheduled for November 30, 2025. Located at kilometer 8.5 of the Duarte Highway in Puñal, Santiago, HEMA is poised to become a key player in both national healthcare and international health tourism.

The hospital will feature 177 rooms, 40 permanent and 40 mobile medical offices, and specialized units for cardiology, dialysis, robotic surgery, mental health, sports medicine, and intensive care for adults, children, and newborns. The facility also includes nine operating rooms, a high-tech clinical laboratory, an imaging and pathology unit, and a modern emergency department with 26 treatment stations and 11 observation posts.

With a projected 1,140 direct and 4,000 indirect jobs in its first phase, HEMA is expected to significantly boost the regional economy.

The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) is headquarters is now located on Archibald Avenue in St George’s

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