Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader identified improving tax collection at state-owned electricity distribution companies (EDE) as one of his administration’s biggest challenges. Speaking at a press conference at the National Palace, he highlighted that while many citizens receive subsidies for electricity, others do not, and addressing the EDE’s financial deficit remains critical despite investments in power infrastructure.

Abinader also noted significant progress in electricity generation, forecasting a 15% surplus by the end of his term, with substantial growth in renewable energy capacity.

On another front, the president acknowledged the complexity of the country’s mental health issues, describing them as part of a broader, universal problem. He expressed personal impact over a recent violent attack in Santo Domingo’s Naco neighborhood, where a close associate of First Lady Raquel Arbaje was killed. In response, Public Health Minister Víctor Atallah announced plans to tender construction of two new mental health centers in Espaillat and Azua, along with a pilot program to provide psychological services in hospital emergency rooms.

Santo Domingo, DR— Luz Herrera, former president of the Dominican Society of Pediatrics, described the increase in vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, such as whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, and meningococcal disease in non-neonatal children, as a “setback” and a “poor prognosis.”

According to the Ministry of Public Health’s epidemiological bulletin for week 30, the country recorded 53 cases of diphtheria and one death; 21 cases of whooping cough and two deaths; and 13 cases of meningococcal disease, with six deaths.

Additionally, 17 cases of tetanus were reported, representing a 15% increase compared to the same week in 2024.

“It seems that the vaccination rate has decreased, and vaccine-preventable diseases have increased. That’s the answer I give to that. There’s a decrease in guidance and education for people. This means a setback for the health system,” Herrera said.

Vaccination schedule

Herrera explained that the national immunization schedule establishes that the first vaccine for newborns is BCG (against tuberculosis) and hepatitis B.

At two months, the rotavirus vaccine (which prevents severe diarrhea), IPV (against polio), and pneumococcal vaccine are administered.

The pentavalent vaccine, which prevents diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, is then administered at two, four, and six months of age, along with the pneumococcal vaccine.

At twelve months, children should receive the seasonal influenza vaccine and the MMR vaccine, which prevents measles, rubella, and mumps. At the same age, another pneumococcal booster shot is given.

At age four, the infant receives a second polio booster and again the pentavalent vaccine.

“These diseases are more common in children under five. Anti-vaccine movements have increased, and because of this, authorities are neglecting them, so these numbers are only going to increase,” Herrera said.

He added that children receive a third booster shot of the diphtheria and tetanus vaccine between the ages of nine and fourteen.

In the case of pregnant women, Herrera indicated that they are also given a dose of the pentavalent vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine in the first months of pregnancy.

Given the increase in these cases, the specialist recommended completing the Ministry of Public Health’s vaccination schedule, continuing to educate parents about the importance of vaccines, and ensuring that health centers continue administering them, as they prevent mortality and morbidity (the onset of diseases).

What are these diseases?

Diphtheria

It is a severe bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It is prevented with the DPT vaccine, included in the national immunization schedule. Its symptoms include sore throat, hoarseness, swollen glands, runny nose, fever, and fatigue.

Whooping cough

Also known as pertussis or whooping cough, it is a highly contagious respiratory illness. It primarily affects young children with severe coughing attacks that make breathing difficult. Its initial symptoms resemble a cold, but the cough becomes more intense and distinctive.

Meningococcal disease

It is a severe bacterial infection that can cause meningitis (affecting the brain and spinal cord) or sepsis. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, and sometimes a rash.

Tetanus

It is a severe disease that affects the nervous system. It is acquired through contaminated wounds and, although it is not contagious between people, it is preventable with vaccination. Its symptoms include muscle stiffness and painful spasms.

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.

Santo Domingo — From the age of 60 onwards, the upward curve that increases the probability of a cerebrovascular accident ( CVA ) begins. However, in recent years, episodes have been observed in patients between 15 and 48 years of age.

This is according to Dr. José Joaquín Puello, a professor of medicine in the field of neurosurgery, who received a tribute this Saturday for his career during the National Symposium on Comprehensive Stroke Management, organized by the Cruz Jiminián Catheterization, Arrhythmia, and Pacemaker Unit.

During his speech, Puello highlighted that approximately 16 to 20 million people worldwide suffer a stroke each year, a figure that is on the rise, with the estimate being that it will reach 77 million by 2030.

In the case of the Dominican Republic, he stated that the prevalence is 183 patients per 100,000 inhabitants, which leads to an estimate that between 20,000 and 22,000 cases occur each year, with a high mortality rate.

“Of every 183 patients with their first stroke , 90 die. We’re talking about an epidemic,” he said.

A stroke, also known as an ictus, is the second cause of death in the country, but it is also the first cause of disability. 

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It occurs when there is an interruption in blood flow to the brain, and can be of two types: 

• Ischemic stroke occurs in 85% of cases when a clot blocks the flow of blood and nutrients, also known as a cerebral infarction.
• Hemorrhagic stroke, commonly known as a stroke, occurs in 15% of cases and occurs after a rupture of blood vessels.

Luis Eduardo Aybar, director of the Sanitary City, also expressed concern about comorbidities that increase risk factors. He cited these as high blood pressure, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and a high-fat diet.

“We are facing a true pandemic. Strokes are becoming the number one most important public health disorder ,” he added.

The doctor indicated that he had observed an increase in cognitive disorders after coronavirus infections in 2020, where 38% of patients who were hospitalized with Covid continue to present after-effects to this day, as well as an increase in kidney diseases that keep hemodialysis units full.

1.9 million neurons die every minute

Emergency physician Abilquis Escoto explained the “ABCs of stroke ,” stating that for every minute a patient goes without treatment, they lose 1.9 million neurons.

“For every hour, the brain ages 3.6 years,” he added.

Escoto cited as serious the fact that between 30 and 40% of patients do not recognize the symptoms of a stroke (dizziness, double vision, loss of balance, distorted face), meaning that in the last three months, 90% of patients admitted to the Cruz Jiminián Unit arrive outside the response window.

Similarly, he compared local data with other countries, highlighting that in Europe, between 20 and 35% of patients receive acute treatment for strokes. At the same time, in the Dominican Republic, the figure barely reaches between 2% and 5%.

“Fifty percent of strokes are prevented when blood pressure is kept under control,” he warned.

High cost of treatment

Dr. Minelly Rodríguez, in her talk titled “The Reality of Stroke in the Dominican Republic,” commented that the cost of treating a patient for a first stroke can reach 700,000 pesos, including the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), treatment, and subsequent rehabilitation, representing a burden on the health system of up to 54 billion pesos each year.

The first warning signs will be a patient whose speech is slurred, whose mouth is twisted, or whose half of the body is dead.

Rodríguez urged patients not to stay home, as Dominicans typically self-medicate or drink a tea recommended by a family member or neighbor, and when it comes to stroke, every second counts.

Among the limitations for optimal care, he stated: 

• Shortage in specialized stroke units.
• Limited timely access to thrombolysis or thrombectomy, treatments used to dissolve or remove blood clots in the brain, exceeding the 4.5-hour window after the event occurs.
• Patients living in rural areas and remote provinces are unable to reach the hospital in time because most stroke centers are located in Santo Domingo and Santiago.
• There is a need to improve health insurance coverage for acute and post-stroke care.

Primary care

For his part, Minister of Public Health Víctor Atallah commented that since last year, the focus has been on prevention and primary care to detect patients before a stroke occurs.

To this end, “More Health and Hope” campaigns are being held in various provinces across the country, offering consultations and medical imaging. Improvements have been made to the Hearts Strategy for patients with hypertension and diabetes, and clinical protocols for managing these chronic non-communicable diseases have been strengthened.

“There’s no time for a stroke; we have to get to work,” he said, referring to the window of action that lasts just 4.5 hours after a patient begins to show symptoms of a stroke.

Stroke Prevention
To prevent a stroke, it is crucial to recognize the warning signs and respond promptly. Control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Avoid excessive tobacco and alcohol use, and keep stress under control. If you experience any symptoms, seek immediate attention: with stroke, time is brain.

Santo Domingo — As of epidemiological week twenty-eight, the country reported 479 suspected cases of malaria, of which eight were confirmed, reaching a cumulative total of 20,165 suspected cases and 629 confirmed cases so far this year.

27.2% of confirmed malaria cases in the country are Haitian, the Ministry of Public Health reported, which has prompted active case-finding in migrant and farming communities.

The main transmission centers are concentrated in Azua, with 330 cases, and San Juan, with 257 cases.

The bite of infected mosquitoes causes malaria. Its most common symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, and chills.

Cholera

While cholera has been reported in the country, 17 suspected cases have been reported, with no confirmed cases.

Of the total suspected cases, six were reported in Santo Domingo province, five in Santiago, and two in San Cristóbal. Nine of the cases were female.

In response, Public Health reported that it is maintaining active surveillance for any suspected cases and recommends visiting the nearest health center if you experience any symptoms of the disease.

The most common symptoms are watery diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.

In severe cases, dehydration can lead to shock, seizures, kidney failure, and ultimately death if left untreated. 

Dengue

Regarding dengue, Public Health reported that 24 suspected cases have been reported, with two confirmed.

Raising the national total to 1,109 suspected cases and 147 confirmed cases.

The provinces with the highest incidence were Espaillat, with 14 cases; Puerto Plata, with 12; and Duarte, with nine.

Symptoms of dengue can vary, but the most common include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and rash.

Leptospirosis 

Regarding leptospirosis, the country reported six suspected cases, with no new confirmed cases.

According to the Epidemiological Bulletin for week 28, 241 suspected cases and 23 confirmed cases have been reported.

Recommendations 

Public Health recommended improving access to drinking water, reducing exposure to stagnant water, and promoting good hygiene practices.

He also reported that animal vaccination campaigns are being carried out, especially in areas where livestock can act as a reservoir for Leptospira.

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) recommends vaccination as the best way to prevent hepatitis, as well as maintaining good hygiene practices.

The Dominican Health Agency reminds us that hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by various factors that lead to serious liver diseases and liver cancer.

Among the most common types of viral hepatitis are types A, B, C, D, and E.

As a primary form of prevention, the Ministry of Health encourages vaccination, especially against hepatitis A and B, as well as maintaining basic hygiene practices such as hand washing, drinking safe water and food, and avoiding contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals or with sharp objects.

In the Dominican Republic, the prevalence of hepatitis B and C is a cause for concern, although specific data may vary. The Government of the Dominican Republic, through the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) and the National Health Service (SNS), has implemented strategies to prevent and eliminate hepatitis B, with a particular focus on pregnant women and newborns.

These actions include the provision of free vaccines and treatments, as well as the distribution of anti-B immunoglobulin to newborns of mothers who carry the virus. Additionally, protocols have been established to facilitate the timely detection and treatment of the disease, with the aim of achieving the elimination goals by 2030.

Dengue

Two new cases of dengue fever have been confirmed, bringing the cumulative total to 147 and the incidence rate to 2.54, representing an 85% reduction compared to last year.

Regarding malaria, eight cases have been confirmed, bringing the total number of cases this year to 629. The incidence of this disease is 10.87, a decrease of -8 percent.

No cases of leptospirosis were reported this week; the total to date is 23, with a cumulative incidence of 0.40, representing a 17 percent reduction in cases. The number of cholera cases recorded this year remains at zero.

Maternal and infant deaths

Maternal death reports for the current 28th epidemiological week show three deaths, one of them a Dominican woman and two Haitian nationals. The total number of maternal deaths confirmed to date is 89 this year; last year, 100 deaths were recorded for the same period, reflecting an 11% decrease.

Thirty-seven infant deaths have been confirmed this week, compared to 43 last year in the same epidemiological week. The cumulative total of infant deaths is 943 this year, compared to 1,192 last year, indicating a continued decline in this indicator.

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.