Dominican Republic reports an 82% decline in malaria incidence

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has recorded zero malaria deaths in 2026, while the cumulative incidence of the disease has fallen by nearly 82%, according to the Ministry of Public Health’s Epidemiological Bulletin for Week 33 (SE-33).

The incidence rate declined from 10.44 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025 to 1.90 this year. A total of 133 malaria cases have been confirmed so far, compared with 712 during the same period last year. Three new cases were reported in Week 33.

Authorities attributed the decline to strengthened epidemiological surveillance, vector-control measures and targeted interventions in high-risk areas. Transmission remains concentrated mainly in rural communities associated with agricultural activities and migration.

Azua remains the main area of transmission, with 77 cases this year, down from 386 in 2025, while San Juan de la Maguana has reported 39 cases compared with 279 last year. La Altagracia has recorded nine cases, including the three reported during Week 33. Santiago has two cases, while Santo Domingo, Elías Piña and Monte Cristi have each reported one.

The Dominican Republic continues to participate in international malaria-elimination initiatives with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), including efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and strengthen prevention strategies.

The same epidemiological bulletin reported zero cholera cases. Leptospirosis reached 272 confirmed cases, while nine dengue cases were reported during Week 33, bringing the 2026 dengue incidence to 3.96 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Maternal deaths also declined, with 87 recorded through Week 33, compared with 116 during the same period in 2025. Infant deaths totaled 1,180, down 5% from the 1,248 reported a year earlier.