[REVISION HISTORY]

Dominican Republic maternal and neonatal health trends

Updated 9 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-05 15:43 UTC → 2026-09-09 01:23 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In July 2026, a Dominican Republic study reported a link between sugary-drink consumption and health risks for children. Following this, the National Health Service (SNS) reported significant improvements in maternal and neonatal outcomes. During the first seven months of 2026, maternal deaths fell by 39% compared to the same period in 2025, a trend attributed to presidential investments that expanded hospital capacity and upgraded intensive care units. Additionally, the SNS reported a 30.1% reduction in neonatal mortality between January and July 2026 compared to the same period in 2019, representing 327 fewer deaths. SNS Executive Director Dr. Julio Landrón credited this to strengthened hospital networks, staff training, and the implementation of the ‘Kangaroo Mother’ program in 25 hospitals, supported by PAHO and Unicef. However, officials noted that neonatal deaths still account for 80% of total infant deaths in the country. By late August 2026, concerns were raised regarding the preventable nature of these deaths. Former President Danilo Medina called for a health system investigation, noting that 20.8 children die per 1,000 live births. In early September 2026, following inquiries from the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), Dr. Landrón addressed 17 neonatal deaths at Maternidad Nuestra Señora de La Altagracia in August, clarifying that only three were linked to bacterial infections. On September 1, 2026, the Ministry of Public Health launched a technical intervention across eight major hospitals to address rising mortality and morbidity ~~rates, following reports~~ rates. By early September, health indicators showed conflicting perspectives. The Ministry of ~~approximately 30 newborn~~ Public Health reported a 25% decrease in maternal deaths ~~at the Altagracia maternity hospital between July~~ (87 total) and ~~August.~~ a 5% decrease in infant deaths compared to 2025. However, former Health Minister ~~Víctor Atallah described~~ Altagracia Guzmán Marcelino questioned the ~~operation as a technical assessment~~ transparency of ~~areas including infection control~~ official reports, citing risks like poor hygiene and ~~clinical protocols. Concurrently, the SNS appointed Freddy Manuel Novas as~~ high cesarean section rates, which reach approximately 89% in the ~~new National Maternal and Child Director. Health experts have since raised alarms over systemic failures. By early September 2026, official data presented conflicting perspectives.~~ private sector.

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