AGP Executive Report

Maternal health push: The Dominican Republic will join a two-year PAHO and MSD for Mothers initiative to cut preventable maternal deaths and adolescent pregnancies, boosting postpartum family planning, prenatal care, and training for clinicians on HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and Chagas—aiming to directly reach 10,000 to 15,000 young people. Adolescent pregnancy snapshot: PAHO estimates about 12,000 teenagers give birth each year; the national rate for ages 15–19 fell about 55% from 2017 to 2025, and the new project targets barriers to quality care. Bacterial meningitis focus: PAHO supported a technical mission to strengthen surveillance, lab capacity, and the care pathway for bacterial meningitis, including protocol updates and better links between clinical, lab, and epidemiology data. Sargassum into jobs: A US$6.3M EIB/EU/Adopem package will finance and provide technical help for Dominican MSMEs to collect, transport, store, and use sargassum sustainably, shifting from cleanup to a value chain. HIV research recognition: CONAVIHSIDA honored community-health professor Kathryn Derose for studies informing food-security policy for people living with HIV. Older adults in crises: A humanitarian feature highlights how LIFE for Relief and Development supports older people’s health and social needs in conflict and disaster zones.

Adolescent pregnancy prevention: PAHO estimates about 12,000 teenagers give birth each year in the Dominican Republic, but the Ministry of Public Health says the birth rate for ages 15–19 fell 75 per 1,000 (2017) to 34 per 1,000 (2025). The country will also join a two-year PAHO and MSD for Mothers initiative to prevent unplanned teen pregnancies and strengthen maternal health services, with priority for vulnerable communities. Dengue update: The Dominican Republic reports one of the lowest dengue incidence rates in the Americas at 8.57 cases per 100,000, and health officials stress community action to remove standing water that breeds Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Child protection reform: President Abinader issued a decree creating Senar, a new residential care service to protect children and adolescents, with placements meant to be exceptional and temporary and coordinated with health services for medical and psychosocial support.

Adolescent Pregnancy Update: PAHO estimates about 12,000 teenagers give birth each year in the Dominican Republic, but the Ministry of Public Health says births among ages 15–19 fell 55% from 2017 to 2025 (75 to 34 per 1,000). Girls’ births dropped from 35,461 to 15,563, and their share of total births fell from 21% to 11.7%. Prevention Program: The country will join a two-year PAHO and MSD for Mothers initiative to prevent unplanned teen pregnancies and strengthen maternal health services, with priority for vulnerable communities. Dengue Watch: The Dominican Republic reports one of the lowest dengue incidence rates in the Americas: 8.57 cases per 100,000 people, far below the Americas average (158.1). Health officials stress community action to remove standing water where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes breed. Child Protection System: President Luis Abinader created the National Residential Care Service (Senar) to strengthen residential care for children and adolescents, with temporary, exceptional placements and coordination with Conani and the health system.

Dengue Update: The Dominican Republic reports one of the lowest dengue incidence rates in the Americas—8.57 cases per 100,000 people—far below the regional average, as the Ministry of Public Health urges residents to remove standing water to cut Aedes aegypti breeding. Child Protection Policy: President Luis Abinader issued Decree No. 676-26 creating the National Residential Care Service (Senar) to strengthen temporary, exceptional residential care for children and adolescents, with coordination to ensure access to medical treatment and psychosocial rehabilitation. HIV Response Recognition: Community health professor Kathryn Derose received a merit award from CONAVIHSIDA for research helping shape HIV-sensitive social protection in the country, including work tied to food security for people living with HIV. Health System & Care Infrastructure: The decree and the HIV award both point to a broader push to link social support with health services, while dengue prevention remains a top public health focus.

Dengue Watch: The Dominican Republic reports one of the lowest dengue incidence rates in the Americas—8.57 cases per 100,000—about 95% below the regional average, as the Ministry of Public Health urges community action to remove standing water and cut Aedes aegypti breeding. Child Protection Reform: President Luis Abinader issued Decree No. 676-26 creating the National Residential Care Service (Senar) to strengthen temporary, exceptional residential care for children and adolescents, with coordination from Conani and the health system for medical and psychosocial support. Health Research Recognition: Community health professor Kathryn P. Derose received an award from CONAVIHSIDA for research helping shape HIV-sensitive social protection in the country, including work tied to food security for people living with HIV. Local Health Economy Signal: New Central Bank figures show health services grew 2.8% in Jan–Aug, with services overall rising 4.5%, suggesting steady momentum in the sector. Senior Work Inclusion: The “Wisdom Intern” program continues to bring older adults back into the workforce, with 208 seniors active as of June, supporting social participation and daily structure. Public Safety & Health Context: DNCD and the Spanish Civil Guard arrested a suspected drug kingpin in Punta Cana as part of an international operation, underscoring ongoing security efforts that affect community wellbeing.

Dengue Update: The Dominican Republic reports one of the lowest dengue incidence rates in the Americas—8.57 cases per 100,000—far below the Americas average, as the Ministry of Public Health urges community action to remove standing water and keep Aedes aegypti in check. Maternal Health & Migration: Teen pregnancy registrations show a mixed picture in 2026: Dominican cases rose slightly while Haitian adolescent cases dropped sharply, linked to stricter hospital immigration checks—highlighting how health data can shift with policy. HIV Response: Community health researcher Kathryn Derose was recognized by CONAVIHSIDA for work on food security for people living with HIV, with her studies feeding into national HIV-sensitive social protection plans through 2027. Child Protection Reform: President Abinader created the National Residential Care Service (Senar) to strengthen residential support for children and adolescents, with temporary, needs-based placements and coordination with health services.

Dengue Watch: The Dominican Republic reported one of the lowest dengue incidence rates in the Americas—8.57 cases per 100,000 people—about 95% below the regional comparison average, with health authorities urging residents to remove standing water to cut Aedes aegypti breeding. Maternal & Adolescent Health: New data show adolescent pregnancy registrations shifted in early 2026 after stricter hospital immigration checks—Haitian adolescents saw a sharp drop while Dominican cases rose slightly—while earlier reporting also points to falling maternal deaths and malaria cases. Child Protection Reform: President Luis Abinader created the National Residential Care Service (Senar) to strengthen temporary, exceptional residential care for children and adolescents, with coordination planned with Conani and the health system. HIV Response Recognition: Community health researcher Kathryn Derose received a national award from CONAVIHSIDA for work linking food security research to HIV-sensitive social protection policy through 2027. Health System Access: The government also moved to improve service continuity while adjusting schedules, including maintaining frontline staffing for municipal health offices even with a modified workweek.

Dengue Update: The Dominican Republic reported one of the lowest dengue incidence rates in the Americas—8.57 cases per 100,000 people—about 95% below the Americas average, as the Ministry of Public Health urged residents to remove standing water to cut Aedes aegypti breeding. Child & Adolescent Protection: President Luis Abinader created the National Residential Care Service (Senar) to strengthen temporary, exceptional residential care for children and adolescents under protection measures, with coordination from Conani and links to the Ministry of Public Health for medical and psychosocial support. Maternal Health Partnership: PAHO and MSD for Mothers signed a two-year agreement to reduce preventable maternal deaths in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala, focusing on adolescent health, better maternal services, and preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. Teen Pregnancy Data: New ONE statistics show adolescent pregnancy registrations shifted in early 2026 after stricter hospital immigration checks—Haitian adolescent cases dropped sharply while Dominican adolescent registrations rose slightly. HIV Research Recognition: Community health educator Kathryn Derose received a national award from CONAVIHSIDA for research on food security for people living with HIV, supporting policy work through 2027.

Maternal Health Push: PAHO and MSD for Mothers signed a two-year agreement to cut preventable maternal deaths in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic, with a focus on adolescent health and stronger maternal services in high-need areas. Adolescent Pregnancy Data: Dominican statistics show a demographic shift in early 2026: Haitian adolescent pregnancy registrations dropped sharply while Dominican cases rose slightly, tied to stricter hospital immigration checks. Public Safety & Health Access: President Abinader reaffirmed the crime-fighting plan, highlighting police technology, patrol restructuring, and tougher penalties—moves that can affect community safety and access to care. Health System Risk From Water Stress: Water minister Samuda warned of tighter restrictions amid drought conditions, urging coordination with schools and healthcare facilities to keep supplies steady. Road Rules With Rights in Mind: A new decree standardizes Dominican driver’s license validity to four years and bars age-based limits, requiring medical and driving-aptitude checks instead. Health-Related Travel Demand: Marriott’s regional study found travelers increasingly prioritize mental well-being, with the Dominican Republic among surveyed markets.

Maternal Health & Adolescents: PAHO and MSD for Mothers signed a two-year agreement to cut preventable maternal deaths in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic, with a focus on adolescent health and stronger maternal services in underserved areas. Teen Pregnancy Trends: Dominican data show adolescent pregnancy registrations shifting in early 2026—Haitian cases dropped sharply while Dominican cases rose slightly—linked to stricter hospital immigration checks. Public Health Burden: The Dominican Republic reported 338 dengue and 137 malaria cases so far in 2026, underscoring ongoing vector-borne pressure. Cancer Awareness: Hard Rock launched its PINKTOBER breast cancer campaign for October, supporting research and patient services through the Hard Rock Heals Foundation. Health System & Access: A PAHO briefing highlighted how countries, including the Dominican Republic, are using primary health care to improve access and reduce inequities. Road Safety Rights: President Abinader issued a decree standardizing driver’s license validity to four years, with aptitude judged by exams rather than age. Community Safety: Dominican and U.S. authorities rescued 26 people near Mona Island and kept searching for possible additional survivors.

Driver’s License Overhaul: President Luis Abinader issued Decree No. 675-26 to standardize Dominican driver’s license validity at four years, with expiration on the holder’s birthday, after a Constitutional Court ruling said age alone can’t shorten or deny licenses; driving aptitude will be assessed through physical, theoretical, and practical exams by INTRANT. Crime & Public Safety Push: Abinader reaffirmed the Citizen Security Plan and police reform, saying most homicide suspects already have arrest warrants, while new patrol models and added police departments expand coverage and use tech to track patrols and crime patterns. Adolescent Pregnancy Alarm: Preliminary ONE data using Ministry of Public Health records shows 311 girls under 15 became mothers in the first half of 2026, alongside 6,813 pregnancies among ages 15–19. Health System Focus: PAHO highlighted primary health care transformation efforts, including experiences from the Dominican Republic, as a pathway to reduce inequities and strengthen health security. Maternal & Infectious Disease Signals: Coverage also notes maternal deaths fell 20% and reports 338 dengue and 137 malaria cases so far in 2026. Dementia Awareness: A local piece urges neurological evaluation when memory loss affects daily life, citing estimates that over 100,000 people in the Dominican Republic may live with dementia. Maritime Rescue: Dominican Navy and U.S. Coast Guard continued searching near Mona Island after rescuing 26 people; authorities say their health is good but the vessel’s full passenger count isn’t confirmed.

Driver’s License Update: President Luis Abinader issued Decree No. 675-26 to standardize Dominican driver’s license validity at four years, with expiration on the holder’s birthday, after a Constitutional Court ruling said age alone can’t shorten or deny licenses; driving aptitude will be checked through physical, theoretical, and practical exams by INTRANT, and suspensions/cancellations must follow legal grounds and due process. Crime Prevention & Police Reform: Abinader reiterated the government’s push to arrest criminals, citing that many homicide suspects already have arrest warrants; the Citizen Security Plan expands patrol coverage, adds new police departments, and uses technology to track patrols and analyze crime patterns. Public Health—Adolescent Pregnancy: Preliminary ONE data using Ministry of Public Health records reports 311 girls under 15 became mothers in the first half of 2026, alongside 6,813 pregnancies among ages 15–19. Health Systems Focus: PAHO highlighted innovative primary health care experiences from the Dominican Republic and other countries, emphasizing workforce, service organization, and planning to improve access and reduce inequities. Dengue/Malaria Watch: The Dominican Republic reported 338 dengue and 137 malaria cases so far in 2026. Search & Rescue: Dominican Navy and U.S. Coast Guard continued searching near Mona Island after rescuing 26 people from a clandestine vessel; authorities say the rescued individuals are in good health. Mental Well-Being in Travel: Marriott’s regional study found 90% of travelers in the Dominican Republic and other CALA markets view vacations as essential for mental health.

Maternal & infectious disease updates: The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health reported maternal deaths down 20% (126 in 2025 to 101 in 2026 through week 36), with infant deaths also slightly lower (1,349 vs. 1,372) and malaria cases dropping sharply (760 in 2025 to 137 in 2026). Eye health warning: Retinitis pigmentosa coverage highlights early warning signs like night blindness and progressive loss of peripheral vision, urging timely ophthalmology evaluation. Budget & health funding: The Abinader administration submitted a RD$2.0 trillion 2027 budget, including RD$197.7 billion for public health and RD$364.3 billion for education. Local pediatric tragedy: A fatal ferris-wheel fall in Hato Mayor del Rey sent an 11-year-old to intensive care for eight days before she died. Health access story from abroad: A prostate cancer patient credited regular screenings and treatment arranged in the Dominican Republic for catching disease early. Health system capacity event: CEMDOE and INTEGRA hosted an International Health Quality and Safety Forum. Public health context: Coverage also notes dementia risk in the country and the need for neurological evaluation when memory and orientation changes persist.

Public Health Update: The Dominican Republic reported 338 confirmed dengue cases and 137 malaria cases so far in 2026, with malaria down about 82% and no new malaria cases or deaths in week 36; dengue remains below the alert threshold, while leptospirosis totals 275 cases, including flood-linked clusters in Puerto Plata. Maternal & Child Health: Maternal deaths fell 20% (126 in 2025 to 101 in 2026 through week 36), and infant deaths dipped slightly (1,349 vs. 1,372), as health authorities continue audits and quality-of-care reviews. Neurology & Aging: A new local health explainer urges people with persistent forgetfulness or cognitive changes to seek neurological evaluation to rule out dementia, including Alzheimer’s. Eye Health Awareness: Retinitis pigmentosa coverage highlights early warning signs like night blindness and shrinking peripheral vision, stressing timely specialist care. Health System Funding: The Abinader administration submitted a RD$2.0 trillion 2027 budget featuring RD$197.7 billion for public health. Safety & Community: A tragic 11-year-old died after a fall from a mechanical ride during patron saint festivities in Hato Mayor, after days in intensive care. Sports & Wellness Culture: Guantánamo’s Sur Hospital neighborhood team won the opening category of the 12th “Clásico del Guaso” domino tournament.

Public Health Update: The Dominican Republic reported 338 confirmed dengue cases and 137 malaria cases so far in 2026, with malaria down about 82% and no new malaria cases or deaths in week 36, while dengue remains below the alert threshold. Maternal & Child Health: Maternal deaths fell 20% (126 in 2025 to 101 in 2026 through week 36) and infant deaths edged down about 2%, as health authorities continue clinical audits and quality-of-care reviews. Eye Health Awareness: Retinitis pigmentosa is highlighted as a rare, inherited condition where early signs like night blindness and shrinking peripheral vision should prompt timely specialist care. Health System & Safety: A tragic case in Hato Mayor del Rey: an 11-year-old died after falling from a mechanical ride during patron saint festivities, after days in intensive care. Budget & Care Funding: The Abinader administration submitted a RD$2.0 trillion 2027 budget, including RD$197.7 billion for public health. Disease Surveillance Focus: Leptospirosis monitoring continues after 275 confirmed cases, with Puerto Plata hardest hit following flooding. Health-Related Crime: A murder investigation continues after merengue singer Julián Oro Duro’s wife was killed during a home robbery in Santo Domingo Oeste. Regional Health Context: UN leaders warned climate-vulnerable countries against relying on loans for disaster recovery that can divert money from health and education.

Public Health Update: The Dominican Republic reported 338 confirmed dengue cases and 137 malaria cases so far in 2026, with malaria down about 82% and no new malaria cases or deaths in week 36; dengue remains below the alert threshold, while leptospirosis reached 275 cases, including flood-linked clusters in Puerto Plata. Maternal & Child Health: Maternal deaths fell 20% between epidemiological weeks 1 and 36 (126 in 2025 to 101 in 2026), and infant deaths edged down about 2%, as health authorities continue audits and quality-of-care reviews. Eye Health Awareness: Retinitis pigmentosa coverage highlights early warning signs like night blindness and progressive peripheral vision loss, urging timely diagnosis at specialized ophthalmology centers. Health System & Safety: CEMDOE and INTEGRA hosted an International Health Quality and Safety Forum, focusing on patient safety, responsible clinical research, and launching RED CEMDOE and a new outpatient facility. Disease Prevention in Practice: The same week’s reporting also stresses surveillance, early detection, treatment, sanitation, and rodent control—especially after heavy rains.