The Dominican Republic launches a campaign against dengue fever. How is the country doing?

Las Caobas, Santo Domingo Oeste. – Health Minister Víctor Atallah reported that the Dominican Republic has seen a reduction of more than 85% in dengue cases nationwide, a result of the impact of preventive and educational efforts deployed throughout the country.

During the nationwide relaunch of the “Let’s Beat Dengue” campaign, under the slogan “Eliminate, Clean, and Cover,” the Minister of Health emphasized that prevention efforts have allowed the country to be recognized as a leader in disease control.

He also affirmed that the achievements in the fight against dengue are the result of coordinated efforts with the Provincial Directorates and Health Areas (DPS/DAS), as well as the active participation of communities. He specified that the campaign will have a renewed focus on education and the control of mosquito breeding sites.

“We have demonstrated that prevention works. The country today shows encouraging figures that reflect the dedication of our personnel and the commitment to protecting the health of the Dominican people. Now we will redouble our efforts to sustain and expand this success, and continue winning the battle against dengue,” Atallah stated.

The campaign was launched simultaneously in all DPS/DAS (Dental Health Departments). 

According to data from the Epidemiology Directorate, between epidemiological weeks 1 and 32 of this year, 171 confirmed cases were reported, compared to the 1,110 cases recorded in the same period in 2024, reflecting a reduction of more than 85%.

The trend in dengue fever over the past four weeks has also shown a downward trend, with EW 32 having the lowest number of cases, with only one confirmed report.

Juan Manuel Méndez García, executive director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), stated that the campaign has a positive impact, emphasizing that prevention is a fundamental pillar in the effort to protect the population.

He also stated that the COE is joining these actions, reinforcing its commitment to working together to ensure the well-being of citizens.

 Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ancell Shecker, Vice Minister of Technical and Pedagogical Affairs of the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Education (MINERD), emphasized that health and education are national causes and that it is everyone’s responsibility to work on disease prevention. Therefore, today, the Ministry of Education is joining the “Let’s Beat Dengue” campaign.

The Dominican Republic was recognized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for its effective management of dengue fever, particularly in 2024, when the country was named a regional leader in disease control amid a rise in cases in other nations.

As part of the campaign, educational workshops, community operations to eliminate breeding sites, targeted fumigations, junk removal, distribution of informational materials, and distribution of abate (larvicide), in addition to providing guidance to the population, will continue to be carried out with the goal of keeping the disease under control.

Among the complementary initiatives is the National Plan for the Prevention and Control of Dengue, developed with the support of PAHO, which has prioritized social interventions.

Also present at the “Anti-Dengue Family” strategy, developed in coordination with the Ministry of Education and PAHO, is the “Anti-Dengue Family” strategy, which trains students and teachers to multiply preventive efforts in their communities.

The Ministry of Health reiterated that the key to defeating dengue lies in joint action between authorities and the population, urging continued implementation of preventive measures in homes and communities.

Present at the campaign relaunch were Edisson Feliz Feliz, director of the Metropolitan Regional Health Service, and Alba María Ropero Álvarez, representative of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).