Dominican Republic reports 1,100 neonatal deaths amid healthcare infrastructure expansion

In the Dominican Republic, the National Health Surveillance System (SINAVE) reports that over 1,100 newborns have died in 2026 through epidemiological week 36. While this represents a slight 2% decrease compared to the same period in 2025, neonatal deaths—defined as deaths occurring within the first 28 days of life—account for 81.5% of the 1,349 total infant deaths recorded this year. Primary causes include prematurity, respiratory disorders, low birth weight, perinatal asphyxia, and infections such as sepsis.

Simultaneously, the National Health Service (SNS) is implementing significant infrastructure improvements in the southern region. Under the direction of Julio Landrón, the SNS has invested millions of pesos to modernize hospitals and expand primary care. Key developments include the inauguration of specialized units for hemodialysis and diabetic foot care at the San Bartolomé Provincial Hospital in Neiba, as well as new primary care centers in Vista al Lago and Las Cañitas. These investments aim to decentralize high-complexity medical services and reduce the need for patient transfers to larger urban centers.