Dominican Republic public hospitals see 30% drop in neonatal mortality

The National Health Service (SNS) of the Dominican Republic reported a 30.1% reduction in neonatal mortality between January and July 2026 compared to the same period in 2019. This decrease represents 327 fewer neonatal deaths.

SNS Executive Director Dr. Julio Landrón attributed the improvement to strategic initiatives focused on strengthening the hospital network, staff training, hygiene compliance, and updated medical protocols. Key areas of intervention include addressing prematurity, perinatal asphyxia, and healthcare-associated sepsis.

Specific actions include the strengthening of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) with new technology and personnel, the implementation of the ‘Kangaroo Mother’ program in 25 hospitals, and the installation of single-dose medication centers. These efforts are supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Unicef.

Despite these gains, recent epidemiological data from the Ministry of Public Health indicates that neonatal deaths still account for 80% of total infant deaths in the country. Authorities also recently addressed an alert at the Nuestra Señora de La Altagracia Maternity Hospital following the detection of a multi-resistant germ in the NICU.