Dominican Republic launches new monoclonal antibody for RSV and long‑acting HIV injection

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health has added the monoclonal antibody Nirsevimab to its national strategy against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The single‑dose drug will target newborns, pre‑term infants and children with congenital heart disease, beginning at the Dr. Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital and expanding from 11 to 21 public facilities. Minister of Health Víctor Atallah said the measure “is one of the most noble, human and effective expressions of public health: protecting our children before the disease has a chance to reach them.”

In September, the country will also introduce Lenacapavir, a long‑acting injectable used for pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV. Infectologist Robert Paulino explained that Lenacapavir “is not a vaccine, it is not a cure; it is a prevention method” that has shown up to 100 % efficacy in clinical trials. The drug will be offered free of charge to high‑risk adults in public health centers, with a phased rollout and a one‑year grant before full domestic financing is required.