Patient Safety & Quality: The Dominican Republic is set to host the 3rd International Health Quality and Safety Forum on Sept. 16, with a focus on making safety a “system strategy,” linking it to quality, public trust, and safer clinical research. Emergency Preparedness: The COE and the UN World Food Programme signed an agreement to strengthen disaster readiness, early warning, logistics, and emergency decision-making as the country faces hurricanes, floods, droughts, earthquakes, and more. Tourism Health Link: Puerto Plata’s “Tourism Close to You” program was launched to improve destination safety, sustainability, and quality—explicitly bringing in health services alongside hotels, transport, and community groups. Healthcare Access (How it works): A new guide for expats breaks down practical steps in Dominican healthcare—how to choose hospitals, find specialists, handle prescriptions, and what to do after-hours. Public Health (Dengue): The Ministry of Public Health is intensifying dengue prevention efforts. Infectious Disease Alert: Leptospirosis has caused 7 deaths in Nueva Ecija, with 103 cases reported since Jan. 1 to July 11, and officials urge avoiding floodwater and seeking care early. Local Health Capacity: A pediatric optometry mission in Santiago delivered 1,070 eye exams over five days, including follow-up for glaucoma patients and glasses for children. Health-Related Tragedy: A British teen, 16, died after a boat “explosion” near Saona Island; an inquest cited septic shock following severe burns. Health & Sports Integrity: MLB suspended a Dominican prospect tied to an alleged age- and identity-fraud scheme involving falsified records and a fake death certificate. Health & Economy: A report says a U.S. slowdown could be absorbed by the Dominican Republic, but it should be monitored for impacts on jobs, household income, remittances, and tourism. Business/Health Risk: Authorities seized illicit alcohol, premium cigarettes, and medicines in Villa Consuelo. Health Workforce (Regional): Haiti’s rural medical center is recruiting doctors and nurses, including former TPS holders, to meet growing demand.