Hotel Fire & Public Safety: A massive blaze at Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Resort in Bayahibe forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 tourists and left at least one woman dead, with several others injured; authorities say the cause is still under investigation and point to fast spread amid windy conditions and combustible roofing materials. Food Hygiene Watch: The Ministry of Public Health says it has a permanent sanitary surveillance system and, after viral hygiene videos, carried out inspections—reporting no critical findings at the time—while warning food businesses to keep cleaning, disinfection, safe storage, and pest control up to standard. Hospital Access & Migration Checks: Human rights groups delivered 1,000+ signatures urging the repeal of a Dominican hospital migration protocol that verifies immigration status, saying it discourages undocumented patients from seeking care. HIV Response at the UN: Health Minister Víctor Atallah told the UN that the Dominican Republic is pushing a sustainable HIV strategy focused on ending mother-to-child transmission, integrating HIV into primary care, and improving retention and viral suppression. SMA Treatment Urgency: Families of children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (CÚRAME) appealed for faster, continuous access to SMA therapies, warning that delays can mean permanent loss of motor skills. Local Health Leadership: Navy Medicine recognized corpsmen including Santo Domingo native Steward Cotui Mercedes for patient advocacy and immunizations/pediatrics work.