The Ministry of Public Health reported this Thursday that the Dominican Republic did not register any maternal deaths in the past week, an achievement that highlights efforts in prenatal and postpartum care. However, 11 infant deaths are lamented, a figure that brings the annual total to 249, according to the Epidemiology Directorate.
Reductions in communicable diseases
In parallel, dengue cases were limited to three in seven days, with a total of 43 this year and an incidence of 2.53 per 100,000 inhabitants, implying a 35% drop compared to 2025. Malaria affected six persons in the same period, accumulating 30 cases and an incidence of 1.77, with a drastic reduction of 85%. Cholera maintains zero notifications, while leptospirosis adds one more case, totaling 30.
Maternal deaths and focus on kidneys
Alert for chronic kidney disease
On World Kidney Day, celebrated on March 12, Public Health urges the prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a silent illness that progresses without noticeable symptoms until advanced stages. Factors such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and smoking accelerate its progression, causing high mortality. In the Americas, deaths from renal causes exceeded 254,000 in 2019, according to regional data.
Last year, the Dominican Republic achieved a 51.19% reduction in stage V CKD cases compared to 2024. Santiago leads with 40% of episodes (1,163), followed by Santo Domingo (15%, 434 cases) and Distrito Nacional (14%, 409). Epidemiological surveillance covers acute and chronic terminal renal failure.
- Adopt a low-salt and processed food diet.
- Drink enough water daily.
- Practice regular physical activity.
- Monitor blood pressure and glucose.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and unnecessary stress.
- Use medications only with a prescription.
Historical context of maternal deaths
Historically, maternal deaths in the Dominican Republic have dropped thanks to vaccination campaigns and improved access to institutional births, going from rates above 100 per 100,000 live births in past decades to current figures below 50, according to WHO reports locally adapted. Experts highlight the importance of prenatal check-ups to sustain this positive trend, although infant deaths demand urgent attention in neonatology.
This weekly balance reinforces the need for continuous surveillance. Zero maternal deaths mark a milestone, but the 11 infant deaths and risks of CKD call for collective action for healthy habits in the Dominican Republic.