AGP Executive Report

Road Safety: Diageo renewed its push for “plan ahead” drinking decisions, stressing that coffee, cold showers, or fresh air won’t speed alcohol elimination—and urging alternative transport or a designated driver as DR road deaths remain high. Public Health Screening: The Dominican Society of Medical Oncology marked World Prostate Cancer Day, urging men (50+, or 45+ with family history) to get regular urological checkups and highlighting that early detection can mean survival rates above 99% over five years. Child Nutrition: A new DR study reports 37.11% of primary school students are overweight or obese, raising concerns about long-term health and learning impacts. Dengue Risk (Regional): Florida health officials issued a dengue alert as CDC data show a 359% national surge, with Miami-Dade facing heightened mosquito-borne transmission conditions. Animal Health & Food Security: Agriculture officials met with U.S. counterparts to strengthen African Swine Fever prevention, citing expanded biosecurity coverage and surveillance gains. Clinical Care Access: Cedimat in Santo Domingo performed a first-in-region aortic valve “valve-in-valve” implant, expanding advanced cardiac options in the Caribbean and Central America. Health & Safety (Developing): Authorities are investigating two deaths and one hospitalized woman after a reported fish-and-alcohol outing at a Piantini residential tower. Lifestyle & Wellness (Community): Casa de Campo Fashion Week blended fashion with wellness programming and art, spotlighting Dominican designers and international visitors.

Dengue Alert (Florida): Miami-Dade is on high alert as CDC data show a 359% surge in U.S. dengue activity, with officials urging stronger mosquito protection during peak summer risk. Prostate Cancer Screening (DR): The Dominican Society of Medical Oncology urges men to get regular prostate checks and beat stigma, citing that early detection can mean survival rates above 99% over five years. Child Nutrition (DR): A new study finds 37.11% of Dominican primary school students are overweight or obese, raising concerns about long-term health and learning impacts. Animal Health & Biosecurity (DR/US): Dominican and U.S. officials reviewed progress under the national swine biosecurity program to prevent African swine fever, including surveillance and farm certification. Health Care Access (DR): Cedimat in Santo Domingo reports a major cardiac milestone with an Allegra Valve-in-Valve implant, reinforcing its training role in the region. Local Incident (Santo Domingo): Two people were found dead at a Piantini residential tower; a 22-year-old woman was hospitalized after authorities are investigating possible links to a recent beach outing. Screwworm Watch (Regional): Veterinarians warn about New World screwworm risks to animals, with the parasite recently detected in Texas and noted as present in the wider region.

Child Nutrition Watch: A new study from Universidad ISA and the Santiago Clinical Nutrition Center found 37.11% of Dominican primary school students are overweight or obese, raising concerns about long-term health and learning impacts. Ebola Preparedness at Airports: The Dominican Civil Aviation Board approved mandatory health surveillance rules requiring airlines to deny boarding to confirmed, probable, or suspected Ebola cases and to report symptomatic travelers, while allowing returning citizens with possible health checks. Animal Health & Food Security: The Agriculture Ministry met with U.S. APHIS to strengthen African Swine Fever prevention, citing biosecurity gains like farm enrollment and zero-case certifications. Cardiology Access: Cedimat in Santo Domingo performed the first aortic valve implant in Central America and the Caribbean using the Allegra Valve-in-Valve method, expanding advanced heart care locally. Public Health Funding: APAP announced RD$131 million for social projects this year, including education and health initiatives. Air Quality & Dust Risks: Health officials issued guidance during Saharan dust conditions, advising vulnerable people to limit outdoor exertion and seek care for persistent respiratory symptoms. Health Sector Expansion: VVT Med entered the Dominican market via Antilles Medical as exclusive distributor for ScleroSafe, with training and evaluation steps before clinical activity. Community Health Support: A UK-linked clinic expansion in Santo Domingo added rehabilitation services, a lab, pediatric care, and ultrasound programming. Health Safety in the News: U.S. authorities reported convictions of two Dominican-linked defendants in a counterfeit pharmaceutical fentanyl scheme that led to a death.

Ebola Readiness: The Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Board approved new mandatory health surveillance rules to prevent Ebola entry via international travel, including denying boarding to confirmed/probable/suspected cases and requiring airlines to report symptomatic travelers; returning citizens can still come back but may face health evaluations, quarantine, or isolation. Cardiac Care Upgrade: Cedimat in Santo Domingo completed the first aortic valve “Valve-in-Valve” implant in Central America and the Caribbean, using a minimally invasive approach for patients with degenerated bioprostheses. Public Health & Animal Risk: Authorities highlighted the New World screwworm threat after Texas detected an outbreak, noting the fly is endemic in Cuba and the Dominican Republic and can affect livestock, pets, wildlife—and less commonly people. Community Health Funding: APAP will invest RD$131 million in 2026 social projects, including education and health initiatives, plus employability and environmental sustainability. Wellness Tourism Spotlight: Casa de Campo launched its first Fashion Week, blending luxury travel with wellness programming and international attention for Dominican fashion.

Cardiac Breakthrough in Santo Domingo: Cedimat performed the first Allegra “Valve-in-Valve” aortic valve implant in Central America and the Caribbean, using a minimally invasive approach for a patient whose earlier bioprosthesis had failed. Ebola Screening at Dominican Airports: The Civil Aviation Board approved mandatory health surveillance rules requiring airlines to deny boarding to confirmed, probable, or suspected Ebola cases and to report symptomatic travelers, while allowing Dominican citizens to return under health protocols. APAP Social Investment: APAP will put RD$131 million in 2026 into education, health, employability, entrepreneurship, and environmental projects, including community support for early childhood, the elderly, vulnerable women, and people with disabilities. Public Health & Travel Safety: Coverage highlights the need for stronger airport health controls as global Ebola alerts continue. Health-Linked Tech in the Region: SK bioscience and the CDC-backed rotavirus vaccine effort advances an injectable candidate through new process development.

Ebola Readiness at Dominican Airports: The Civil Aviation Board (JAC) approved mandatory health surveillance rules to help prevent Ebola entry, including denying boarding to confirmed/probable/suspected cases and requiring airlines to report symptomatic travelers, while allowing Dominican citizens to return under possible health evaluations. Animal Health Watch: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a calf in Zavala County, Texas—an insect pest endemic in Cuba and the Dominican Republic—prompting renewed attention to livestock and pet wound care. Community Health Funding: APAP says it will invest RD$131 million in 2026 for social projects, including education and health initiatives, plus training for employability and entrepreneurship. Vaccine R&D Link: SK bioscience says it has licensed injectable rotavirus vaccine technology from the CDC and is starting process development, aiming to advance through clinical trials and reduce costs. Local Safety Reminder: A private jet crash at La Romana airport killed two pilots; authorities reported no passengers were aboard.

Ebola Readiness: The Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Board approved new mandatory health surveillance at airports and borders to prevent Ebola entry, requiring airlines to deny boarding to confirmed, probable, or suspected cases and to report symptomatic travelers; returning citizens can still come back but may face evaluations, quarantine, or isolation. Public Health Innovation: SK bioscience says it has licensed injectable rotavirus vaccine technology from the U.S. CDC and is starting process development, aiming to move into clinical trials and lower costs. Aviation Safety (Health Impact): A private Gulfstream G200 jet crashed during an emergency landing at La Romana Airport, killing both pilots; airport operations were halted as responders worked the scene. Disease Awareness: Dominican lightning protection experts warn that many deaths come from people being outdoors during storms, urging safe shelter and better protection systems. Local Health Policy: The Dominican Republic strengthens oversight of foreign healthcare credentials, while Wellness & Community: back-to-school vaccination clinics are being promoted in the region.

Aviation Safety & Public Health: Two pilots died after a US-registered Gulfstream G200 crashed during an emergency landing at La Romana International Airport, with authorities reporting only the crew onboard and airport operations halted amid the fireball and smoke. Missing Persons Response: Dominican Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful backed the new Alerta RD system, saying alerts must be jointly activated by the National Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office within 24 hours to speed coordinated searches. Infectious Disease Watch: The CDC issued dual alerts tied to travel—expanded Ebola screening at Atlanta’s airport and warnings about adverse outcomes linked to medical tourism, including destinations such as the Dominican Republic. Health & Wellness Context: Experts in the DR are urging stronger lightning safety habits, stressing that people should seek shelter in safe buildings and avoid being outdoors during storms. Local Health Community: The DR mourned photojournalist Franklin Guerrero, who died after a long cancer battle at Cedimat in Santo Domingo.

Aviation Tragedy (DR): A US-registered Gulfstream G200 private jet crashed during an emergency landing at La Romana International Airport, bursting into flames after skidding on the runway; authorities say only the pilot and co-pilot were on board and both died, with investigations underway. Public Health (DR): The Ministry of Public Health reported 10 new dengue cases in the latest epidemiological week (SE20), bringing the cumulative total to 111, alongside ongoing circulation of respiratory viruses and a noted rise in SARS-CoV-2. Missing Persons Response (DR): Law 25-26 approved and enacted to create Alerta RD, requiring joint activation by the National Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office within 24 hours of a missing-person complaint. Infectious Disease Watch (DR): An infectious disease specialist urged DR authorities to stay alert for Ebola risks given fast global travel and no current cure, stressing prevention and readiness. Safety Education (DR): Experts warned that many Dominican buildings lack adequate lightning protection; during storms, the key advice is to seek safe shelter indoors and avoid being outdoors.

Back-to-School Vaccines: New Mexico’s “Got Shots” clinics run June 13–Aug. 29, offering free immunizations for kids up to age 18, with weekend and evening sites. Missing-Persons Response: Dominican Interior Minister Faride Raful backed the new Alerta RD law, creating a faster, coordinated alert system for missing persons with joint Police–Public Ministry activation within 24 hours. Ebola & Medical Tourism Watch: CDC alerts in the U.S. expanded enhanced Ebola screening at Atlanta and flagged risks tied to travel-related cosmetic procedures, including destinations such as the Dominican Republic. Dengue Update: Dominican Public Health reported 10 new dengue cases this week (111 total so far), plus ongoing malaria and leptospirosis figures. Lightning Safety: DR experts warned that many accidents come from risky behavior during storms; they urged people to seek safe shelter indoors and avoid outdoor exposure. Electric Safety for Kids: Edeeste cautioned parents to keep children from flying kites near power lines and to avoid using wet or unsafe charging practices. Mental Health in Prisons: DR partners are expanding mental health training and academic programs for incarcerated people and prison staff. Health System Improvements: DIDA recognized 31 good practices across health services and risk management, including patient care and prevention efforts.

Alerta RD Law: Dominican Interior Minister Faride Raful hailed the new Alerta RD system law, saying alerts for missing persons must be activated jointly by the National Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office within 24 hours of a complaint, with coordination involving 9-1-1 and emergency services. Lightning Safety: Experts warn that many deaths during thunderstorms come from people being exposed outdoors; they urge sheltering in safe buildings and following prevention education and technical standards. Ebola + Medical Tourism Watch: CDC alerts in the U.S. are expanding enhanced Ebola screening at Atlanta’s airport and also flagging risks tied to travel-related cosmetic procedures, including destinations such as the Dominican Republic. Dengue Update: Public Health reported 10 new dengue cases this week (111 total so far), with malaria also tracked (4 cases) and respiratory viruses continuing to circulate, including rising SARS-CoV-2. Prison Mental Health: Mescyt, Albizu University, and the penitentiary system are moving to expand mental health training and academic programs for incarcerated people and prison staff. Electric Safety for Kids: Edeeste advises families to keep children from flying kites near power lines and to avoid using wet or unsafe charging practices during school holidays.

Ebola Alert: Infectious disease specialist Héctor Balcácer urged Dominican authorities to stay on high alert as Ebola spreads in the DRC, noting fast global travel and the lack of a treatment or vaccine. Dengue Update: The Ministry of Public Health reported 10 new dengue cases in SE20, bringing the total to 111, with La Altagracia leading; malaria also logged 4 cases and leptospirosis remains high. Mental Health in Prisons: The penitentiary system, Mescyt and Albizu University are moving ahead with a cooperation agreement to expand mental health care and train prison staff for better emotional and psychological support for inmates. Social Security Care Improvements: DIDA recognized 31 good practices from 15 entities, including humanized services and better patient management, as part of efforts to strengthen protection for affiliates. Water & Sanitation Priority: President Abinader called for water and sanitation to be a regional development top priority, citing major DR investments benefiting over a million people in coastal tourist areas. Electric Safety for Kids: Edeeste warned families to prevent children from flying kites near power lines and to avoid using wet or unsafe charging equipment to reduce electrocution risk. Public Health & Environment: On World Environment Day, citizens pointed to trash as the main health-linked environmental problem, tied to gaps in waste collection and public awareness.

Ebola Alert: An infectious disease specialist in Santo Domingo warned that the fast-moving Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could reach the Dominican Republic, urging authorities and the public to stay on alert despite no local cases reported. Dengue Update: The Ministry of Public Health confirmed 10 new dengue cases this epidemiological week, bringing the total to 111; malaria recorded 4 new cases in San Juan, and leptospirosis reached 149 cases this year. Respiratory Viruses Watch: Health officials say metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, and influenza A (H3N2) are still circulating, while SARS-CoV-2 is rising again. Mental Health in Prisons: The penitentiary system, Mescyt, and Albizu University are moving ahead with a cooperation agreement to expand mental health care and train prison staff for incarcerated people. Social Security Care Improvements: DIDA recognized 31 good practices from 15 entities, including better patient management and health promotion. Water & Sanitation Priority: President Abinader urged the region to treat water and sanitation as a top public health development goal, highlighting major DR investments for coastal and tourist cities. Eye Health & Saharan Dust: Dominican ophthalmologists warned that Saharan dust can irritate eyes, worsen dry eye and allergies, and recommend limiting outdoor exposure and using lubricating drops. Earthquake Safety Reminder: Health authorities advised residents to prepare a “go bag,” plan evacuation routes, and follow “Duck, Cover, and Hold” during seismic events. Animal Health Risk (Regional): Reports from the U.S. on New World screwworm highlight the parasite’s presence in the region, including the Dominican Republic, and reinforce the need for strong animal health monitoring.

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.

Water & Sanitation Push: President Luis Abinader urged Latin America and the Caribbean to treat clean water and sanitation as a top development priority, citing direct links to public health, environmental protection, tourism, and climate resilience, and pointing to major Dominican investments like the Verón-Punta Cana Water and Sewerage Project benefiting over a million people. Disease Watch: The Ministry of Public Health says epidemiological control stayed strong in the first 20 weeks of 2026, with historic declines in priority diseases; dengue remains low (10 new cases, 111 total), cholera is still zero, malaria is down (4 new cases in San Juan; 83 total), and leptospirosis rose slightly (2 new cases; 149 total). Eye Health Alert: Dominican ophthalmologists warn Saharan dust can irritate eyes, blur vision, and worsen dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis; they recommend limiting outdoor exposure, avoiding eye rubbing, using lubricating drops, and seeking care if symptoms persist. Mental Health in Prisons: Abinader swore in a committee to strengthen penitentiary mental health, including new psychosocial care centers, specialized hospital beds, and plans for mental-health-focused prisons in Azua, La Vega, and San Pedro de Macorís. Access to Care: A family in Santo Domingo is appealing for help to cover lymphoma medication after delays from the High-Cost Medication Program left the patient without treatment for months. Public Health Systems: DIDA recognized 31 health-service risk-management initiatives as “good practices,” highlighting more people-centered care, prevention, and better patient management. Environmental Accountability: On World Environment Day, communities again raised concerns about contamination and remediation needs around the Hatillo Reservoir in Cotuí, linking environmental protection to public health and livelihoods. Food & Health Safety Context: U.S. forced-labor scrutiny could affect Dominican exports (including medical devices and pharmaceuticals), raising concerns for supply chains tied to health products.

New World screwworm alert: Texas confirmed its first case in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, with larvae found on the animal—prompting state health guidance and stressing that the parasite threatens livestock and can be fatal if wounds go untreated. Local health policy: The Dominican Republic strengthened oversight of foreign healthcare credentials, tightening certification rules for health professionals, including specialties and degrees earned via virtual or hybrid learning. Water & sanitation for public health: The DR became the first Caribbean nation to host LatinoSan 2026 in Punta Cana, focused on water, sanitation, and hygiene, alongside major sanitation and wastewater reuse financing approved for Punta Cana-Bávaro. Prison mental health push: President Abinader swore in a committee to expand mental health care in prisons, including new specialized beds and psychosocial services. Care access gap: A lymphoma patient’s family says they’ve been waiting months for high-cost medication support, asking the public for help as treatment costs reach about RD$560,000. Credentialed care in the spotlight: The DR also moved to create a National Alert for Missing Persons (Alertas RD), including categories like Amber, Silver, Blue, and Pink, with rapid activation within 24 hours.