Epidemiology Update (DR): The Ministry of Public Health says the Dominican Republic maintained effective epidemiological control in the first 20 weeks of 2026, with historic drops in priority diseases; dengue remains low (111 cumulative cases after 10 new this week), cholera is still at zero, malaria is down (83 cases so far, with 4 new in San Juan), and leptospirosis rose to 149 cumulative cases after 2 new in Santo Domingo. Mental Health in Prisons (DR): Mescyt, Albizu University, and the penitentiary system are formalizing cooperation to expand mental health care for incarcerated people, including academic training for prison staff and specialized programs for rehabilitation and reintegration. Social Security Quality (DR): DIDA recognized 31 good practices from 15 entities to improve health services and risk management, focusing on more human-centered care, prevention of irregularities, and better patient management. Water & Sanitation Priority (DR): President Abinader urged Latin American and Caribbean leaders to treat water and sanitation as a top development priority, citing public health and tourism benefits and highlighting major DR investments in coastal water and sewerage. Eye Health Warning (DR): Dominican ophthalmologists warn Saharan dust can irritate eyes, worsen dry eye and allergies, and cause blurred vision; they advise limiting outdoor exposure, avoiding eye rubbing, and seeking care if symptoms persist. Public Safety (DR): Edeeste urges families to prevent kite-flying near power lines and to avoid using wet or unsafe charging equipment, warning of burns and electrocution risks. Food Safety & Animal Health (US, DR-linked): USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a calf in South Texas, prompting quarantine and animal movement controls; officials stress it’s an animal infestation, not a food safety issue, but the case raises regional concern since the parasite is endemic in the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic.