HIV/AIDS Legacy: Public health researcher Ellen Levy Koenig has died in Santo Domingo, remembered for pioneering early studies on HIV/AIDS and for building support initiatives for low-income and vulnerable patients. Primary Care Spotlight: The World Health Assembly honored global champions advancing primary health care, with Dominican Republic’s Dr. Víctor Elias Atallah Lajam among the recognized leaders. SMA Treatment Access: The CÚRAME foundation urged Dominican health authorities to speed up mechanisms for timely, continuous access to Spinal Muscular Atrophy treatments, warning that delays can mean permanent loss of motor skills. Sports Health Preparedness: The Ministry of Public Health strengthened prevention and emergency response for the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026, boosting lab capacity, surveillance, and vaccination checks (including MMR). Hotel Fire Health Impact: A massive fire at Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach in Bayahibe killed one Italian tourist and led to the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests, with several injured treated on site or taken to hospitals. Child Health Funding: Café el Cibaeño pledged 5% of sales to support institutions treating serious childhood diseases, directing funds to hospitals and nonprofits. Food Costs: The basic family food basket rose to 49,268.36 pesos by May 2026, up 1.1% year-to-date, adding pressure on household budgets. Wellness & Leadership: Cabarete’s Butterfly Effect returns July 7–11 with a wellness and women’s leadership program, including water-safety support for girls.