AGP Executive Report

Maternal & infant health update: Dominican health authorities reported 40 infant deaths in one week, including 33 neonatal deaths, plus three maternal deaths (two Dominican women, one Haitian) and 76 maternal deaths so far in 2026. Infectious disease watch: SINAVE logged dengue at 224 positives with one death, malaria at 146 confirmed cases with no deaths, and leptospirosis at 260 cases after two new Santo Domingo reports; overall, leptospirosis has already caused 19 deaths this year. Hospital safety & fraud case: A Higüey judge ordered three months of pre-trial detention for a physician accused of falsifying hospital documents to register foreign children as if births occurred under regular status in the country. Emergency response: A fuel tanker fire on George Washington Avenue left two people dead; 9-1-1 coordinated multiple fire, police, traffic, and health units, using drones with thermal cameras to manage the scene. Public health policy: PAHO and partners wrapped a regional ICD-11 mortality coding training that included Dominican professionals, aiming to strengthen how deaths are classified in national health systems.

Leptospirosis Alert: The Dominican Republic reports 19 deaths from leptospirosis so far this year, with about 260 registered cases—an increase that health officials link to exposure to infected animal urine, not just rodents. Epidemiology Watch: SINAVE data show malaria falling sharply (673 cases in 2025 to 115 in 2026) while leptospirosis surges (253 in 2026 vs 85 in 2025), plus rising whooping cough (7 cases in 2026 vs 1 in 2025) and continued dengue activity. Workplace Safety: Workplace accidents hit 35,670 cases in 2025, and commuting risks are rising—more than 80% of commuting accidents involve motorcycles, with Santiago among the highest. Disaster Preparedness: A seismic vulnerability study highlights the need to evaluate and reinforce hospitals and schools, with thousands of building and infrastructure assessments already underway. Health Innovation: INTEC and AI Robotix are backing an Alzheimer’s research project using AI and biomedical data to support earlier diagnosis and new prevention and treatment approaches. Policy Agenda: Congress begins the Second Ordinary Legislature of 2026 with pending reforms that include updates to the General Health Law and Mental Health Law.

Workplace Safety: IDOPPRIL reports 35,670 workplace accidents in 2025, with commuting crashes rising and motorcycles driving over 80% of commuting accidents. Seismic Risk: ONESVIE says the country must keep evaluating and reinforcing schools and hospitals and other essential infrastructure; 4,718 seismic vulnerability evaluations have been completed so far. Public Health Watch: SINAVE data show malaria down 83% (673 to 115) but leptospirosis up 190% (85 to 253), with 19 deaths so far this year; dengue is also slightly higher. Congress & Health Policy: The Second Ordinary Legislature of 2026 opens with pending reforms touching health, mental health, police law, education, cybersecurity, and social rights. Violence Prevention Debate: Experts warn that tougher femicide penalties in the new Penal Code won’t be enough without stronger prevention, including a proposed Family Ministry model. Cardiovascular Tip: A large study links climbing stairs with lower cardiovascular and overall mortality risk. Alzheimer’s Research: INTEC and AI Robotix will support an AI-driven Alzheimer’s project aimed at early diagnosis and prevention. Health Education & Sports: INEFI inaugurated a roofed court at “La Perito,” aiming to improve youth health and keep students engaged.

Leptospirosis Update: 19 deaths reported so far this year in the Dominican Republic, with about 260 registered cases, according to epidemiologist Héctor Balcácer. The disease spreads through contact with infected animal urine, not just rodents. Respiratory Virus Season Explained: A local expert says 2025 saw multiple respiratory viruses circulate at once—up to seven simultaneously—after COVID-19 isolation reduced cases and then they surged when social activity resumed. Public Health Research Push: INTEC and AI Robotix will support an Alzheimer’s research project using AI plus neuroscience, molecular biology, and data science to explore earlier diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Cardio Benefit From Daily Movement: A large analysis of 480,000+ people links regular stair climbing with lower risk of cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality, though researchers stress it’s an association, not proof of cause. Women’s Violence Prevention Debate: Experts warn that tougher femicide penalties alone won’t curb violence, calling for stronger prevention and coordinated family-focused interventions. School Sports & Health: INEFI inaugurated a new roofed court at “La Perito,” investing RD$16.17M to benefit 800+ students and support healthier, safer youth activities.

Leptospirosis Update: Nineteen deaths from leptospirosis reported in the Dominican Republic so far this year, with about 260 registered cases; epidemiologist Héctor Balcácer notes transmission happens through contact with infected animal urine, not just rodents. Respiratory Virus Season Explained: A 2025 review says up to seven respiratory viruses circulated at once in the country—mainly influenza, COVID-19, and RSV—after pandemic-era isolation reduced spread and then social activity resumed. Congress Health & Nutrition Delays: Lawmakers are entering the next 2026 session with key bills still stuck in committee, including school nutrition and reforms tied to the health system and labor protections. Alzheimer’s Research Push: INTEC and AI Robotix will receive government support for an Alzheimer’s project using AI plus neuroscience and molecular biology to target earlier diagnosis and prevention. Sports for Health: INEFI inaugurated a new roofed court at “La Perito,” investing RD$16.17M and aiming to keep more than 800 students active through safer school sports. Violence Prevention Debate: Experts warn that tougher femicide penalties in the new Penal Code won’t be enough without stronger prevention and coordinated family-focused interventions. Cardio Tip: Research links regular stair climbing with lower cardiovascular death risk, suggesting simple daily movement can help.

Alzheimer’s Research Push: INTEC and AI Robotix will back an Alzheimer’s project using AI plus neuroscience and molecular biology to support earlier diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Cancer Prevention in Primary Care: The Dominican Ministry of Health launched a pilot to add HPV testing for cervical cancer screening at primary health centers in Elías Piña and Dajabón, with PAHO/WHO technical support. School Sports & Health: INEFI inaugurated a new roofed sports court at “La Perito” (RD$16.17M), aiming to keep students active and away from violence. Cardio Benefits From Daily Movement: A study linked regular stair climbing with lower risk of cardiovascular death and overall premature death. Violence Prevention Debate: Experts warned that tougher femicide penalties in the new Penal Code won’t be enough without stronger prevention, including a proposed Family Ministry model. Local Health Recognition: Santiago’s council honored doctors from UASD’s 1982 class for decades of service to medicine and public health.

Alzheimer’s Research Push: The Dominican government will back an INTEC and AI Robotix project using AI, neuroscience, molecular biology and data science to support earlier diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s. Cancer Prevention Upgrade: A new pilot from the Ministry of Health will add HPV testing at primary care level in Elías Piña and Dajabón, with KOICA support and PAHO/WHO technical help, aiming to strengthen cervical cancer screening where access is hardest. Cardio Health Tip: A study linking regular stair climbing with a lower risk of cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality is fueling calls to make everyday movement easier. Public Health & Safety: Customs destroyed 8.29 million cigarettes seized for smuggling attempts, citing RD$53.3 million in evaded taxes and public health protection. Violence Prevention Debate: Experts say tougher femicide penalties in the new Penal Code won’t be enough without stronger prevention, including proposals for a coordinated Family Ministry. Road Crash Fatality: A motorcyclist died after a collision on Jacagua Avenue in Santiago; authorities are investigating. Community Health Recognition: Santiago’s city council honored nine UASD 1982 medical graduates for decades of service. Care Access Concern: Reports say a man with Alzheimer’s is being held at the Hainamosa police station amid a land-dispute-related detention claim.

Cervical Cancer Prevention: The Dominican Ministry of Health launched a pilot program to detect cervical cancer earlier by adding HPV testing at primary care level, starting in Elías Piña and Dajabón with support from KOICA and technical help from PAHO. Gut-Brain & Alzheimer’s: A new Dominican study from PUCMM links gut microbiota patterns with Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline, including how diet may influence “beneficial” microbes. Organ Donation Push: INCORT marked 28 years of organ, tissue, and cell donation efforts, urging stronger public participation to save lives. Cardio-Friendly Habit: Research suggests climbing stairs regularly is associated with lower cardiovascular death risk and overall mortality, though it’s not proof of direct cause. Violence Prevention Debate: Experts say tougher femicide penalties in the new Penal Code won’t work alone; they call for prevention, including coordinated family-focused interventions. Public Health & Safety: A motorcyclist died after a crash on Jacagua Avenue in Santiago; authorities opened an investigation.

Cervical Cancer Prevention: The Dominican Republic launched a pilot program to detect cervical cancer at primary care level using HPV testing, starting in Elías Piña and Dajabón with support from KOICA and technical help from PAHO, including training for clinical and supervisory staff. Alzheimer’s Research: A PUCMM-led study is exploring how gut microbiota may relate to Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline, comparing older adults with Alzheimer’s, mild cognitive impairment, and healthy participants, and looking at links with diet and probiotics. Immunization Boost: The Ministry of Public Health received 386,990 doses of acellular hexavalent vaccine and 50,000 doses of acellular quadrivalent vaccine to strengthen the Expanded Program on Immunization, with free access at 1,350+ vaccination centers nationwide. Organ Donation Culture: INCORT marked 28 years of organ, tissue, and cell donation coordination, urging the public to see donation as a way to save lives. Traffic Safety: A motorcyclist died after a crash with a car on Jacagua Avenue in Santiago; authorities are investigating the circumstances.

Vaccine Supply Boost: The Ministry of Public Health received 436,990 doses (acellular hexavalent and quadrivalent) to strengthen the Expanded Program on Immunization, with free access at 1,350+ vaccination centers nationwide. Health Coverage Reform: The CNSS is evaluating a High-Cost Medication Fund (FOMAC) to help Family Health Insurance affiliates access expensive treatments, starting with 13 high-cost medicines (including several cancers and other serious conditions). Organ Donation Push: INCORT marked 28 years of organ, tissue, and cell donation work, urging stronger public support to save lives through donation. Road Safety + Drugs: Public Health and DNCD launched a national study using 300 specialized tests to check psychoactive substances in drivers treated at trauma hospitals, aiming to shape better prevention policies. Gut-Brain Research: A PUCMM-led study in older Dominicans explores how gut microbiota may relate to Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline, including links with diet and possible probiotic effects. Crisis Response: The Dominican government opened a donation collection center for Colombia earthquake relief, accepting medicines, medical supplies, food, hydration fluids, and hygiene items. Medical Workforce: The Dominican Medical Association demanded respect for labor agreements (including the 20-hour work week) and called for a national hospital security plan.

Immunization Boost: The Ministry of Public Health received 436,990 doses (acellular hexavalent and quadrivalent) to keep childhood vaccinations free and on schedule, with distribution through 1,350+ centers nationwide. High-Cost Drug Access: CNSS is evaluating a High-Cost Medication Fund (FOMAC) to help Family Health Insurance affiliates cover expensive treatments, starting with 13 high-cost medicines for conditions including cancer and multiple sclerosis. Road Safety + Drugs: Public Health and DNCD launched a national study using 300 specialized tests to check psychoactive substances in drivers treated at trauma hospitals, aiming to shape better prevention policies. Gut-Brain Research: A PUCMM study in the Dominican Republic links gut microbiota patterns with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s risk, including diet associations with “beneficial” microbes. Hospital Security + Work Hours: The Dominican Medical Association renewed calls for a national hospital security plan and monitoring of compliance with the 20-hour work week under the new penal code framework. Disaster Solidarity: The Dominican government opened a donation collection center at the Navy base in Santo Domingo Este to support Colombia earthquake response with medicines, medical supplies, food, and hygiene items. Regional Health Tourism: DR will host the 8th International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress in 2027, aiming to connect hospitals, clinics, hotels, insurers, tech, and investors. Digital Sovereignty: Economic Affairs Minister Jerome Fitzgerald pushed for a Caribbean digital sovereignty pact to protect data, cloud contracts, and cybersecurity—key for health tech resilience.

High-Cost Medication Access: The CNSS says it’s evaluating a High-Cost Medication Fund (FOMAC) to help Family Health Insurance affiliates reach expensive treatments, starting with 13 high-cost medicines for conditions including adult and pediatric cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy. Road Safety & Drug Use: The Ministry of Public Health and the DNCD launched a national study using 300 psychoactive-substance detection tests in trauma hospitals to measure how drug use may be linked to traffic crashes and to guide prevention policies. Hospital Security & Labor Rights: The Dominican Medical Association demanded respect for labor agreements (including monitoring a 20-hour work week) and urged authorities to implement a national hospital security plan to protect healthcare workers and patients. Earthquake Relief for Colombia: The Dominican government opened a donation collection center at the Navy base “27 de Febrero” in Santo Domingo Este, accepting medicines, medical supplies, food, hydration fluids, and hygiene wipes for communities affected by Colombia’s 7.4 earthquake. Tourism Safety After Boat Fire: Reports say a crowded Saona Island tour boat off the Dominican coast “smelled like gasoline” and “didn’t feel safe” before exploding, killing a 16-year-old British teen and injuring dozens.

High-Cost Medication Coverage: The CNSS says it’s evaluating a High-Cost Medication Fund (FOMAC) to help Family Health Insurance (SFS) affiliates access expensive treatments, starting with 13 high-cost medicines for conditions including adult and pediatric cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy. Road Safety & Drugs Study: The Ministry of Public Health and DNCD launched a national study using 300 psychoactive substance tests in trauma hospitals to assess how drug use may affect traffic crashes and guide prevention policies. Hospital Security & Labor Talks: The Dominican Medical Association is demanding respect for labor agreements (including a 20-hour work week) and pushing for a national hospital security plan to protect doctors and patients. CNSS/Senasa Fraud Case: Prosecutors asked for a four-month extension to file charges in the Santiago Hazim and nine others case tied to alleged multi-million-dollar fraud involving the state health insurance system. Earthquake Aid for Colombia: The Dominican government opened a donation collection center at the Navy base “27 de Febrero” in Santo Domingo Este to gather medicines, medical supplies, food, hydration fluids, and hygiene items for Colombia earthquake-affected communities. Tour Boat Tragedy Off Bayahibe: Reports say a packed tourist boat returning from Saona Island exploded and caught fire, killing 16-year-old British cheerleading coach Abbie Lainton and injuring 24 others; authorities have launched an investigation. Health Tourism Push: The DR will host the 8th International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress in 2027, aiming to connect hospitals, clinics, insurers, investors, and wellness leaders.

Road Safety Research: The Ministry of Public Health and the DNCD launched a national study using 300 psychoactive substance detection tests in trauma hospitals to see how drugs may be linked to traffic accidents and to guide prevention. Public Health Surveillance: Dengue continues to climb, with 11 new cases reported in one week, bringing 2026 totals to 213 and one dengue-related death, while authorities keep watch as peak weeks approach. Sudden Cardiac Death Warning: A cardiology expert says sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of death in the Dominican Republic, driven by risk factors like smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, alcohol, and inactivity. Breastfeeding Push: During World Breastfeeding Week, health messaging in Santo Domingo highlighted breast milk as the best early nutrition and protection against illness. Healthcare Access & Coverage: ASONAFISS says it’s in a “holding pattern” while the CNSS reviews proposals, including higher outpatient medication coverage, and warns it may escalate actions if affiliates’ demands aren’t answered. Trauma Response at Major Events: DAEH reported 293 people received emergency medical assistance during the Central American and Caribbean Games, with 175 transferred to health centers. Local Health System Upgrade: La Altagracia’s agricultural fair also spotlighted stronger veterinary and animal health services—an indirect health win for food safety and livestock productivity.

Boat tragedy & burns: A 16-year-old British cheerleading coach, Abbie Lainton, died after a tourist boat “exploded” and caught fire off the coast near Saona Island; 24 were injured and 11 were hospitalized for burns as authorities investigate the cause. Road safety & drugs: The Ministry of Public Health and DNCD launched a national study using 300 psychoactive substance tests in trauma hospitals to understand whether drugs play a role in traffic crashes and to guide prevention. Dengue update: Dengue cases rose by 11 in one week, reaching 213 infections in 2026; one death linked to dengue has been recorded, while officials say the country is not yet at alert levels. Hospital management reform: The National Health Service (SNS) plans to move 150 hospitals toward greater administrative and financial autonomy within up to two years through a pilot decentralization model. Breastfeeding push: During World Breastfeeding Week, health advocates and mothers emphasized breast milk as the best first food and protection for newborns. Cardiac risk warning: A cardiology expert says sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of death in the Dominican Republic, driven by risk factors like smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and heavy alcohol use. Violence & health impacts: Reports of femicide and other violent deaths over the weekend highlight ongoing safety and medical consequences across provinces. Trauma response at major sports event: DAEH says it provided care to 293 people during the Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026, with 175 transfers to health centers. Livestock & animal health: La Altagracia leads meat and milk production with 215,000 cattle, while producers in Santiago’s Monte Adentro warn African swine fever and imports are emptying pig corrals.

Dengue Watch: The Dominican Ministry of Public Health reported 11 new dengue infections in epidemiological week 29, bringing the 2026 total to 213, with one dengue-associated death and an incidence of 3.46 per 100,000—authorities say it’s not yet at alert levels but surveillance stays active. Emergency Response: During the Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026, the DAEH delivered medical care to 293 people, transferring 175 to health centers, using 70 ambulances and about 300 staff over 16 competition days. Hospital Management: The SNS says 150 hospitals in the Public Health Network could gain greater administrative and financial autonomy within two years, through a pilot decentralization plan and standardized public accounting for transparency. Breastfeeding Push: For World Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1–7), local reporting highlighted mothers’ support for breastfeeding as the best early nutrition and disease protection. Sudden Death Reminder: A cardiology expert warns that sudden cardiac death (heart attack) is the leading cause of death in the country, driven by risk factors like smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, inactivity, and heavy alcohol use. Heat & Rain Outlook: INDOMET forecasts hot conditions with scattered showers and thunderstorms, plus Saharan dust reducing humidity on Saturday, with more active storms expected Sunday in the southeast and Greater Santo Domingo.