U.S. aid helps cut infant mortality rate by 21% in 2 years

Santo Domingo.- Dominican Republic’s infant mortality rate fell 21 percent in the past two years, according to figures from Public Health minister Freddy Hidalgo.

U.S. ambassador James Brewster met with Hidalgo to discuss joint projects on health, for which the official thanked the diplomat for Washington’s contribution to reduce infant mortality.

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy said Hidalgo acknowledged the support by the U.S. and other partners, to reduce the infant mortality rate by 21 percent, from 1,591 deaths to 1,250.

The U.S. Embassy also announced that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has a US$5.5 million budget for the country.