AGP Executive Report

Dengue Watch: The Ministry of Public Health is intensifying dengue prevention nationwide, pushing “Eliminate, Clean and Cover” to cut Aedes aegypti breeding with fumigation, community cleanups, and home steps like removing standing water and covering tanks. Maternal Care Push: SNS Director Dr. Julio Landrón toured maternity hospitals and set “zero tolerance” for preventable maternal and infant deaths, urging strict protocol follow-through for pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn emergencies. Leptospirosis Update: In Nueva Ecija, 7 deaths were reported among 103 leptospirosis cases (Jan. 1–July 11), with officials urging people to avoid floodwater and seek care early; doxycycline and public information drives are underway. Emergency Preparedness: COE and the UN World Food Programme signed an agreement to strengthen disaster readiness, early warning, logistics, and training for emergency teams. Health System Leadership: SNS also strengthened hospital management by appointing new directors at Padre Billini and Vicente Noble hospitals and naming Jenny Olivero for the Jaime Mota Hospital. Sports & Health Regulation: The government approved new rules for professional and recreational baseball, including safety, health, nutrition, and medical care standards for academies and protections for minors.

Maternal & Infant Care Push: Dominican Republic’s National Health Service (SNS) director Dr. Julio Landrón toured maternity hospitals, stressing “zero tolerance” for preventable maternal and infant deaths and urging strict follow-through on obstetric and newborn protocols. Dengue Prevention Drive: The Ministry of Public Health is intensifying dengue control nationwide with fumigation, community cleanups, and the “Eliminate, Clean and Cover” message to remove standing water and properly cover and clean tanks. Health System Reform Abroad: Health Minister Víctor Atallah is in Washington presenting progress on transforming the health system at PAHO and OAS, focusing on access, innovation, digital health, and stronger health leadership. Pet Travel Made Easier: DIGEGA says veterinary health certificate processing for exporting dogs and cats has been streamlined to minutes, supporting safer international pet movement. Trade & Investment Health Link: President Abinader highlighted U.S. tariff negotiations as a priority while aiming to preserve free-trade-zone incentives—key for jobs and economic stability that affect health services.

Maternal Health Push: Dominican Republic’s SNS director Dr. Julio Landrón toured maternity hospitals, calling for “zero tolerance” on preventable maternal and infant deaths and urging strict protocol use for pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn emergencies. Dengue Prevention: The Ministry of Public Health is intensifying dengue control nationwide with fumigation, community cleanups, and the “Eliminate, Clean and Cover” message to remove standing water and cover tanks. Health System Reform (Intl): Health Minister Víctor Atallah presented health system transformation plans at PAHO and OAS, focusing on access, digital health, innovation, and stronger health leadership. Pet Travel Services: DIGEGA says it cut international pet health certificate processing to minutes by modernizing procedures, supporting safer dog and cat exports. Food Safety Alert: Antigua and Barbuda’s pork import ban remains in effect due to African Swine Fever concerns tied to Dominican Republic pork products. Trade & Workforce: President Abinader flagged U.S. reciprocal tariff negotiations as a priority while highlighting Infotep expansion and efforts to reduce business permits to boost investment. Wellness Tourism: Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana has opened with an O Spa and resort-wide wellness and dining options.

Maternal & Infant Care: SNS director Dr. Julio Landrón toured maternity hospitals and set a zero-tolerance stance on preventable maternal and infant deaths, urging strict protocol use and faster response to obstetric and neonatal emergencies. Dengue Prevention: The Ministry of Public Health is intensifying dengue control with fumigation, community cleanups, and the “Eliminate, Clean and Cover” push to remove standing water and reduce Aedes aegypti breeding. Health System Reform: Health Minister Víctor Atallah presented progress on transforming the Dominican health system at PAHO and OAS, focusing on access, innovation, digital health, and stronger decision-making. Public Health Enforcement: Authorities seized 119,708 units of illicit alcohol, premium cigarettes, sexual stimulants, and medicines in Villa Consuelo, citing missing health registrations and risky labeling. Pet Travel Services: DIGEGA says it cut international pet health certificate processing from days to minutes using updated procedures, supporting safer dog and cat exports. Earthquake Preparedness: A fire department official urged Dominicans to prepare for a major quake with home checks, emergency plans, and a 72-hour backpack.

Dengue Watch: The Ministry of Public Health is ramping up dengue prevention nationwide, pushing “Eliminate, Clean and Cover” to cut Aedes aegypti breeding. Teams are doing fumigation and community cleanups, while residents are urged to remove standing water from yards and around homes, keep tanks covered, and even use chlorine inside storage containers. Health System Updates: The National Health Service (SNS) is strengthening hospital management with new directors sworn in at Padre Billini, Jaime Mota, and municipal hospitals in Galván and Vicente Noble, aiming for safer, more humanized, higher-quality care. Pet Travel Made Easier: DIGEGA says international pet health certificates now take minutes instead of days after modernizing its small-animal disease unit and procedures. Public Health & Safety: Authorities also seized illicit alcohol, premium cigarettes, sexual stimulants, and medicines in Villa Consuelo, citing missing health registrations and labeling irregularities. Earthquake Preparedness: A fire department official urged Dominicans to prepare for a major quake—check building weaknesses, make an emergency plan, and pack supplies for at least 72 hours.

Health System Reform: Dominican Health Minister Víctor Atallah presented health system transformation plans in Washington at PAHO and OAS, highlighting access expansion, technology, stronger health leadership, and better decision-making. Hospital Management: The National Health Service (SNS) swore in new directors to strengthen management and improve timely, safe, humanized care—covering Padre Billini, Vicente Noble, Galván, and Vicente Noble municipal hospitals, plus Dr. Jenny Olivero taking charge of Jaime Mota Hospital. Public Safety Preparedness: A National District firefighter urged Dominicans to prepare for a potential major earthquake, recommending home/work checks for structural risks, an emergency plan, and a 72-hour go-bag. Consumer Health Enforcement: Authorities seized 119,708 units of illicit alcohol, premium cigarettes, sexual stimulants, and medicines in Villa Consuelo, citing missing health registrations and labeling irregularities. Access to Services: The U.S. Embassy announced in-person Federal Benefits Unit service days in Puerto Plata in early September for Social Security and federal benefits matters.

Health System Reform: Dominican Health Minister Víctor Atallah is in Washington to present health system transformation progress at PAHO and the OAS, highlighting plans to expand access, use data and digital tools, strengthen health leadership, and improve decision-making. Hospital Management: The National Health Service (SNS) swore in new directors to strengthen public hospital management, including Padre Billini, Vicente Noble, Galván, and the Dr. Jaime Mota Hospital network. Earthquake Preparedness: A National District Fire Department officer urged Dominicans to prepare for a possible major earthquake, recommending home checks for structural risks, an emergency plan, and a 72-hour go-bag. Public Health Enforcement: Authorities seized over 119,000 units of illicit alcohol, premium cigarettes, sexual stimulants, and medicines in Villa Consuelo, citing missing health registrations and labeling irregularities. Local Health Services Access: The U.S. Federal Benefits Unit will hold in-person service days in Puerto Plata in September for Social Security and federal benefits, with required documents and ticket-based entry.

Hospital Management Shake-Up: The Dominican National Health Service (SNS) swore in new directors to strengthen public care, including leadership changes at Padre Billini and Vicente Noble hospitals, plus the Jaime Mota Hospital in Enriquillo. Maternal Care Training: The country launched prenatal care training in Dajabón and Elías Piña, aiming to improve how expectant mothers are supported. Procurement for Hospitals: The government rolled out Eficompras, a virtual public purchasing tool for smaller state buys (including supplies for hospitals), promising faster processing in minutes. Exports With a Health Angle: ProDominicana reported Dominican exports hit a record US$9.277B in Jan–Jul 2026, with medical device-linked products topping US$1.435B (about 15.5% of total). Food Security Milestone: A UN-backed report says the Dominican Republic is the last country in Latin America and the Caribbean to reach “zero hunger,” a key nutrition benchmark.

Hospital Management Updates: The National Health Service (SNS) swore in new directors to strengthen public hospital leadership, including Padre Billini Hospital in Santo Domingo and the Vicente Noble and Galván municipal hospitals in the Enriquillo region, with Dr. Julio Landrón emphasizing safer, faster, more humanized care. Regional Hospital Leadership: Dr. Jenny Olivero was appointed and sworn in as director of the Dr. Jaime Mota Regional Hospital, bringing management experience from the Vicente Noble Municipal Hospital and a background in health services administration and epidemiology. Public Procurement for Health Supplies: The Dominican government launched Eficompras, a virtual procurement tool integrated into the Electronic Public Procurement System (SECP) to speed up state purchases below RD$268,111.38—explicitly noting support for hospitals making smaller supply buys. Exports & Health Sector: ProDominicana reported Dominican exports hit a record US$9,277 million in Jan–Jul 2026, with medical device-linked products exceeding US$1,435 million (about 15.5% of total exports). Heat Precautions: Health Minister urged Dominicans to take precautions amid high temperatures.

Hospital Management: The Dominican National Health Service (SNS) swore in new hospital directors to strengthen public care, including leadership changes at Padre Billini and the Vicente Noble municipal hospital, plus a new director at the Dr. Jaime Mota Hospital. Regional Health Leadership: Dr. Jenny Olivero was appointed to lead the Jaime Mota Hospital, with a background in hospital management and prior work in the Enriquillo region. Public Health & Heat: Health Minister urges Dominicans to take precautions amid high temperatures, highlighting the need for safer practices during extreme heat. Maternal Health Training: Dominican Republic launched prenatal care training in Dajabón and Elías Piña to improve services for pregnant people. Food Security Milestone: A UN report says the Dominican Republic is the last country in Latin America and the Caribbean to reach “zero hunger,” defined as under 2.5% of the population facing chronic undernourishment. Animal Health: Free rabies vaccination for dogs and cats is scheduled in Ciudad Juan Bosch this Friday.

Heat Safety: Dominican Health Minister Víctor Atallah urged people to prevent heat-related illness amid high temperatures, stressing regular hydration, avoiding direct sun, wearing light clothing, ventilating homes, and watching vulnerable groups for warning signs like dizziness, headache, cramps, nausea, and intense thirst. Rabies Prevention: The Ministry of Public Health will offer a free rabies vaccination day for dogs and cats this Friday (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.) at La Gaviota 1 Park in Ciudad Juan Bosch to boost coverage and cut the risk of rabies transmission to people. Food Security Milestone: A UN report says the Dominican Republic is the last country in Latin America to reach “zero hunger” (under 2.5% affected), marking progress after years of pandemic strain and social-program recovery. Wellness Tourism Lens: A feature on Eden Roc Cap Cana highlights how Caribbean wellness culture is being packaged for visitors, raising questions about how local traditions are preserved versus rebranded for global audiences. Community Health & Access: A free hearing-technology initiative in the region (via partner programs) is helping seniors try over-the-counter hearing aids with support, aiming to improve daily life and product usability.

Heat Safety in the Dominican Republic: Health Minister Víctor Atallah urged people to prevent heat-related illness as temperatures rise, stressing regular hydration, avoiding direct sun during peak hours, wearing light clothing, ventilating homes/workplaces, and watching vulnerable groups (children, older adults, and people with heart, respiratory, kidney disease, or diabetes). Rabies Prevention: The Ministry of Public Health will hold a free rabies vaccination day for dogs and cats this Friday at La Gaviota 1 Park in Ciudad Juan Bosch, aiming to boost coverage and cut transmission risk. Prenatal Care Training: The Dominican Republic is launching prenatal care training in Dajabón and Elías Piña to strengthen maternal health services in the region. Public Health Context: Coverage also highlights broader regional health pressures, including a reported leptospirosis toll in the country and ongoing concerns about sanitation and basic health facility standards.

Heat Safety in the Dominican Republic: Health Minister Víctor Atallah urged people to beat high temperatures with steady hydration, avoiding direct sun during peak hours, and taking shaded breaks—especially for children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions like heart, respiratory, kidney disease, and diabetes. He also warned never to leave kids or vulnerable people (or pets) in parked vehicles and listed warning signs such as dizziness, headache, nausea, cramps, and intense thirst. Rabies Prevention Drive: The Ministry of Public Health will hold a free rabies vaccination day for dogs and cats this Friday (Aug. 21) at La Gaviota 1 Park in Ciudad Juan Bosch, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., to boost coverage and reduce transmission risk. Prenatal Care Training: The Dominican Republic launched prenatal care training in Dajabón and Elías Piña, aiming to strengthen maternal health services in the region. Wellness in Tourism (Cap Cana): A new look at Eden Roc Cap Cana’s wellness approach highlights how Dominican wellness culture is being packaged for visitors—useful context for health-minded travelers.

Heat Safety in the Dominican Republic: Health Minister Víctor Atallah urged people to prevent heat-related illness by drinking water regularly, avoiding direct sun during peak hours, wearing light clothing, and taking shaded breaks—especially for children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions. Rabies Prevention Drive: The Ministry of Public Health will offer free rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats this Friday (Aug. 21) at La Gaviota 1 Park in Ciudad Juan Bosch, aiming to cut transmission risk to people. Public Health Governance (PAHO/RedFESP): PAHO reports Chile joined RedFESP, and the Dominican Republic shared its experience institutionalizing Essential Public Health Functions to strengthen planning and close service gaps. Prenatal Care Training: The Dominican Republic is launching prenatal care training in Dajabón and Elías Piña to improve maternal health services. Wellness Tourism Spotlight: A feature on Eden Roc Cap Cana highlights how Dominican wellness culture is being presented to global visitors, raising questions about preserving local traditions.

Heat Safety: Health Minister Víctor Atallah urged Dominicans to prevent heat-related illness amid high temperatures—drink water regularly, avoid direct sun, rest in shade, wear light clothing, and never leave children, vulnerable adults, or pets in parked vehicles. Watch for dizziness, headache, nausea, cramps, intense thirst, and exhaustion. Rabies Prevention: The Ministry of Public Health will hold a free rabies vaccination day for dogs and cats this Friday (Aug. 21) at La Gaviota 1 Park in Ciudad Juan Bosch, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., to boost coverage and cut transmission risk. Maternal Health Training: The Ministry of Health and SNS launched a prenatal care facilitator program in Dajabón and Elías Piña with KOICA support and PAHO/WHO technical help, training teams to improve pregnancy assessments, nutrition, monitoring, and referral of high-risk cases. Public Health Governance: PAHO reports Chile joined RedFESP, and a Dominican representative shared how the country is institutionalizing Essential Public Health Functions to guide planning and close gaps. Animal & Community Health Policy: Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso warned public servants that the new Penal Code and anti-corruption framework carry severe criminal consequences for misuse of state resources. Zoonotic Risk & Access: Health authorities emphasized vaccination as one of the most effective ways to protect people from rabies.

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, vaccinations, fetal monitoring, and birth planning—plus faster referral for warning signs like hypertension, bleeding, and infections. Vaccination Policy: Health Minister Víctor Atallah said the Dominican Republic will keep its childhood vaccination schedule despite recent U.S. health authority changes, citing local epidemiology and progress against measles and HPV-related illnesses. Health System Accountability: Former SeNaSa director Santiago Hazim returned to court in Santo Domingo for a hearing on extending the investigation deadline in an alleged administrative corruption case tied to the national health insurance system. Maternal Health & Risk Prevention: The prenatal program also aims to reduce maternal and neonatal risks by reinforcing 31 prenatal care centers in Dajabón and 19 in Elías Piña with community health promoters and basic health teams. Public Health Watch: A human-rights report says forced labor persists on Dominican sugarcane plantations supplying the U.S., renewing calls for a U.S. import ban—an issue with direct implications for worker health and safety.