Health indicators show decline, but challenges remain

Dengue Cases Drop, Yet Concerns Persist

While official health data from the Ministry of Health points to a downward trend in major health indicators, dengue cases remain under watch. Epidemiologically, high incidence rates are not expected at this time, yet during epidemiological week 19, two dengue cases were confirmed in five-year-olds—one in Puerto Plata, the other in San Cristóbal. The past four weeks have seen 13 recorded cases, marking a 73.5% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. So far in 2025, 94 cases have been confirmed, with the highest concentration in Espaillat, Puerto Plata, and Valverde.

Malaria Continues to Affect Young Men

From weeks 1 to 19 of 2025, 194 cases of malaria have been confirmed, with 57% affecting men, primarily aged 10 to 39 years. The highest concentration is in San Juan and Azua, though imported cases have been reported in Elías Piña, Santo Domingo, La Altagracia, Monte Cristi, Dajabón, and Sánchez Ramírez.

Leptospirosis Cases Confirmed Across 12 Provinces

As of epidemiological week 19, 22 cases of leptospirosis have been confirmed, with the highest numbers in La Altagracia and San Cristóbal. The disease has spread across 12 provinces.

Neonatal Mortality Remains a Challenge

Infant mortality figures reveal 23 deaths during epidemiological week 19, bringing the total for 2025 to 635 deaths—172 fewer than in the same period in 2024. The vast majority occur within the first 28 days of life, with neonatal mortality proving the hardest to reduce.

Maternal Mortality Disproportionately Impacts Santiago and Santo Domingo

During the same week, four maternal deaths were recorded from La Vega, Monte Plata, María Trinidad Sánchez, and Santo Domingo. The total count for 2025 stands at 66 maternal deaths, with 34% concentrated in Santiago and Santo Domingo. Of these, 53% were Dominican women, while 47% were Haitian.

Region of the Americas Sees Maternal Mortality Decline, Yet Targets Unmet

In 2023, maternal mortality in the Americas reached 7,850 deaths, reflecting a 15.7% decrease compared to 2000. Improved access to essential healthcare services has been credited for this decline, though official figures continue to spark debate. However, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the region remains at 59 deaths per 100,000 live births, still far above the regional target of 30 deaths per 100,000 live births set by the Pan American Health Organization’s Sustainable Health Agenda.