Prenatal Care Boost: The Dominican Ministry of Health and the National Health Service launched a 3-day facilitator training in Dajabón and Elías Piña (with KOICA support and PAHO/WHO technical help) to strengthen prenatal checkups, nutrition, vaccination, fetal monitoring, birth planning, and early warning signs like hypertension, bleeding, and infections—aiming to reduce maternal and neonatal risks and improve referrals to high-risk care. Maternal Health & Vaccines: Health officials said the DR will keep its current childhood vaccination schedule despite recent U.S. changes, while also reporting 19 leptospirosis deaths this year and urging prevention after flooding-related outbreaks. Health System Oversight: Former SeNaSa director Santiago Hazim appeared in court for a hearing on extending the investigation deadline in an alleged administrative corruption case tied to the National Health Insurance. Caregiving & Dementia Support: A new book by Dr. Pam Mullarkey Robbins highlights dementia caregiving through true stories and humor, focusing on compassion and connection for families and caregivers. Labor Rights in Health Supply Chains: A watchdog report says forced labor persists on Dominican sugarcane plantations supplying the U.S., renewing calls for a U.S. import ban.