Santo Domingo.- The First International Congress “Let’s educate about autism” concluded successfully after two days of debates, presentations, and interviews. The event was organized by the Refidomsa Foundation and the Manos Unidas por Autismo Foundation, bringing together health professionals, psychologists, students, and relatives of individuals with autism.

The congress took place at the National Library, starting on Wednesday the 26th, and featured panels led by the Argentine psychologist Ramiro Mitre and educator Sarah Dájer, who resides in the United States.

During the inauguration, Franklin Soriano, coordinator of the Social Plan of the Dominican Oil Refinery (Refidomsa), expressed gratitude to the attendees for their interest in this significant societal issue. He emphasized that as a company, they are committed to contributing to the benefit of society, and their president, Dr. Leonardo Aguilera, supported this first meeting as the beginning of many others.

The attendees had the opportunity to hear the inspiring testimonies of Margel Engel and Iván Oviedo, a couple whose three children are autistic, on the first day of the congress.

On the second day, participants engaged in discussions with Ramiro Mitre and Sarah Dájer, and also had the chance to interact with doctors Luis Ortega, a psychiatrist, and Dayanna González, a neurologist.

In the closing remarks, Odile Villavizar, president of the Manos Unidas por Autismo Foundation, highlighted the importance of such events in promoting a more inclusive state for the Dominican Republic.

The congress concluded with the exhibitors receiving certificates from executives representing both organizing institutions. The successful completion of the congress signifies a step forward in raising awareness and education about autism in the country.

Guyana has agreed to go ahead with the next step of China’s physical infrastructure-centered Belt and Road Initiative, according to a joint statement issued by the two countries to mark the end of President Irfaan Ali’s one-week official visit to that Asian giant. “The Guyana side expressed willingness to discuss and conclude the Joint Action ...

“The problem is the hepatitis B treatment, which we demand also be assumed by the program,” asked Luisa Paradas, president of Funpaheinm, who also requested that the ARSs include the treatments in their coverage, as she had told journalist Olga Vergés, of Hoy newspaper.

Paradas explained to the reporter that, although the treatments for hepatitis B and C virus are low in comparison with other diseases, not all patients have the resources to afford them.

He reiterated that health authorities should disseminate more information about the need for hepatitis testing to identify infected people through hepatitis screening days.

More lethal than malaria
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends preventing new infections and deaths from hepatitis B and C, facilitating access to treatment for all pregnant women living with hepatitis B, or providing vaccines against this disease for newborns.

It also sets desirable objectives to diagnose 90% of people living with hepatitis B and C and ensure treatment for 80% of those diagnosed.
In the case of hepatitis B, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy is the most common. It occurs primarily in the Western Pacific, Africa, and Southeast Asia, where screening pregnant women with hepatitis B testing is crucial in curbing transmission.

However, a new WHO report shows that only 78% of the countries surveyed (64 out of 82) reported having a national policy on hepatitis B testing during pregnancy.

Of these, only half (32 out of 64) reported finally implementing these measures in antenatal clinics.

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Santo Domingo.- The Minister of Agriculture, Limber Cruz, has assured that the African swine fever (ASF) is under control in the Dominican Republic, with positive results from tests carried out with a vaccine. Out of 3,460 samples taken in the country, only 111 tested positive for ASF, representing less than 3% of the samples. The situation is not causing a definitive collapse, and the government is working to manage the outbreak.

The Minister denied that pork imports were causing bankruptcy for local pork producers, as imports do not require authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture. However, he acknowledged that imports have increased due to the impact of ASF, which led to the elimination of part of the local pig farming industry.

In response to concerns about the ASF outbreak, the government has taken measures to address price increases in pork meat caused by some producers. The Minister emphasized that the government is not hindering pork imports and is working to stabilize the market.

African swine fever is a serious viral disease that affects pigs, leading to high mortality rates. While it is not transmitted to humans, it is classified as a mandatory declaration disease by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). The Dominican Republic experienced its last outbreak of ASF in 1978 and had to report a new outbreak in July 2021, resulting in the culling of more than 51,000 pigs. The government is now taking steps to control the disease and minimize its impact on the country’s pig farming industry.

Santiago.- The Permanent Commission of Public Health of the Senate of the Republic in the Dominican Republic has made progress in analyzing a bill that aims to declare Santiago as a “province of health tourism.” The Health Commission, led by Senator Lía Díaz Santana, has agreed to study the legislative proposal with support from existing laws related to the Dominican Social Security System and the Defense of Competition.

The main objective of the bill is to promote health tourism in the province of Santiago, seeking to enhance health services, improve collective well-being, and contribute to the economic and social development of the region. The declaration of Santiago as a province of Health Tourism aims to attract more visitors seeking medical and wellness services in the city.

Senator Eduardo Estrella, the president of the Senate and a promoter of this initiative, has highlighted the significant investments made in the health sector in the city of Santiago, making it an ideal candidate for health tourism promotion.

By declaring Santiago as a province of health tourism, the government aims to leverage the city’s healthcare infrastructure and services to attract both domestic and international tourists seeking specialized medical treatments and wellness services. The bill’s advancement in the Senate’s Health Commission is a significant step in the process of implementing this policy.

Santo Domingo.- The Medical Center for Diabetes, Obesity, and Specialties (CEMDOE) in the Dominican Republic has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI) certification. This accreditation is focused on ensuring the quality of medical care and patient safety within healthcare institutions. By complying with the strict international standards set by JCI, CEMDOE becomes the first health center in the country to receive such recognition.

During the evaluation process, a team of experts from Joint Commission International rigorously assessed CEMDOE’s compliance with over a thousand measurable elements related to the quality and safety of the services provided. The certification requires adherence to comprehensive evaluation criteria, including building safety, patient care results, staff training, infection prevention, facility management, and more.

CEMDOE’s achievement not only benefits the institution itself but also has a positive impact on the overall health system of the Dominican Republic. It reflects a commitment to transformation and continuous improvement, elevating the standard of healthcare and enhancing patient safety for all Dominicans.

Joint Commission International’s standards of care are developed in collaboration with healthcare experts, providers, and patients from around the world. They are based on scientific evidence and aim to help healthcare organizations measure, evaluate, and improve their performance.

The certification also positions the Dominican Republic as an attractive and safe destination for health tourism. Patients seeking high-quality care in a paradisiacal environment can now consider the country as an accessible and reliable option.

CEMDOE’s success in obtaining the JCI accreditation represents a significant accomplishment for the institution and a positive step towards advancing healthcare standards in the Dominican Republic.

On 25 July, Madam President Williams was seen as a patient at the General Hospital in St George’s, however, the cause of her illness and hospitalisation was not made public

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Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health in the Dominican Republic has reported 3,236 suspected cases of dengue nationwide, with 248 new cases reported in the last week. Three deaths from dengue have been confirmed so far this year. The areas with the highest incidence of suspected cases are Santo Domingo, Santiago, the National District, Puerto Plata, Montecristi, Barahona, San Cristóbal, Sánchez Ramírez, and La Romana, each with more than 100 suspected cases.

The ministry warns that dengue is a seasonal disease and expects a significant increase in cases over the next 3 to 4 months. To control the spread of the disease, the population is urged to eliminate and report possible breeding sites for the transmitting mosquito, follow the ministry’s recommendations, and support the preventive campaigns being carried out.

In addition to dengue, the ministry also reported 229 suspected cases of leptospirosis and one death so far this year. Leptospirosis is another infectious disease that requires attention and preventive measures.

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