# Dominican Republic health and child nutrition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-health-and-child-nutrition
> Updated: 2026-08-05T19:08:12.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

In July 2026 a Dominican Republic study reported a link between sugary‑drink consumption and health risks for children. A month later, the National Health Service announced a 39 % reduction in maternal deaths during the first seven months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, citing recent presidential investments that expanded hospital capacity and upgraded maternal‑neonatal intensive‑care units. During national breastfeeding week, officials noted that while 73 % of newborns were exclusively breastfed at birth, the rate fell to 56 % by six months. The Ministry of Health warned that sustaining exclusive breastfeeding is essential for child and maternal health and highlighted challenges such as low milk production, maternal fatigue, and limited family support.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-05: Dominican Republic sees decline in exclusive breastfeeding as health ministry pushes maternal‑infant care improvements

Dominican Republic’s health ministry reported a 39% drop in maternal deaths and a fall in exclusive breastfeeding from 73% at birth to 56% at six months, urging continued care improvements.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-sees-decline-in-exclusive-breastfeeding-as-health-ministry-pushes-maternalinfant-

### 2026-07-07: Dominican Republic study links sugary drinks to child health risks

WHO advises limiting free sugars; a Dominican Republic survey found over 70% of infants 6‑23 months consumed sugary drinks, prompting calls for tighter nutrition policies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-study-links-sugary-drinks-to-child-health-risks

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Cite as: Dominican Republic health and child nutrition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-health-and-child-nutrition