Health Ministry strengthens prevention plan for Central American and Caribbean Games 2026

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health announced that it has strengthened prevention, surveillance, and emergency health response measures ahead of the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026, with the aim of safeguarding athletes, delegations, staff, and visitors.

The institution explained that it has implemented a comprehensive health preparedness system designed to reduce risks associated with the large-scale movement of people during the international sporting event. This includes enhanced diagnostic and laboratory capacity at the Dr. Defilló National Public Health Laboratory, enabling the timely detection of diseases such as influenza, COVID-19, measles, and pertussis, as well as genomic surveillance to identify and monitor infectious agents and potential variants.

Epidemiological monitoring has also been reinforced through the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE) and the General Directorate of Epidemiology (DIGEPI), with active surveillance in tourist zones, border points, and high-traffic areas. In addition, health authorities are coordinating with aviation, migration, port, and tourism institutions to strengthen control measures at entry points in line with international health regulations.

As part of prevention efforts, the Ministry is verifying and updating vaccination schedules for athletes, event personnel, and host communities, with special emphasis on the MMR vaccine to prevent outbreaks of measles, mumps, and rubella. Authorities also reminded the public that the Dominican Republic has maintained measles-free status since 2001 and urged citizens to keep immunization records up to date.

Health Minister Víctor Atallah emphasized that the country is entering the event with a strong surveillance and response system, trained personnel, and rapid response teams ready to act in case of any emergency, noting that health protection at mass events is a shared responsibility.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring the safe development of major international events, reinforcing the country’s image as a prepared and secure destination.