Dominican Republic launches prenatal care training in Dajabón and Elías Piña

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Health and the National Health Service (SNS) have launched a facilitator training program aimed at strengthening prenatal care and reducing maternal and neonatal risks in Dajabón and Elías Piña.

The initiative is supported financially by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and technically by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). It is part of a project focused on strengthening primary care for maternal and child health in the two provinces.

Health Minister Víctor Atallah said improving prenatal care is a priority because regular checkups help identify risks early, prevent complications and ensure timely, quality care.

The three-day training covers comprehensive pregnancy assessments, medical history, nutrition, vaccination, counseling, fetal monitoring and birth planning. Health workers will also learn to identify warning signs such as hypertension, bleeding and infections, as well as strengthen community monitoring and referrals for high-risk pregnancies.

SNS Director Julio Landrón said the program seeks to ensure that women receive timely and comprehensive prenatal care regardless of where they live or their economic circumstances.

The project will reinforce 31 prenatal care centers in Dajabón and 19 in Elías Piña, working with provincial hospitals, doctors, nurses, community health promoters and basic health teams.