Dominican Republic records 762 infant deaths; sources disagree on trend

762 infant deaths were recorded in the Dominican Republic during the first half of 2026, according to official data from the Ministry of Public Health. However, sources disagree on whether this represents an improvement or a worsening compared to the previous year.

Infant and maternal mortality

• Infant deaths totaled 762 between January and June 2026, down from 839 in the same period of 2025 — a 9% reduction Source: Diario Libre. Listín Diario also reports a decline, noting 24 deaths in week 25 versus 41 in 2025 Source: Listín Diario.
• In contrast, Hoy and Infobae describe the figure as a "preocupante aumento" (worrying increase) compared to 2025 Source: Hoy; Source: Infobae. The apparent contradiction may stem from comparing to earlier weeks or misreading the data.
• Of the 762 infant deaths, 653 were neonatal (children under 28 days). The highest numbers were in Santo Domingo (218), Santiago (88), and Distrito Nacional (74) Source: Listín Diario.
• Maternal deaths fell to 63 in 2026 from 87 in 2025, a 28% decline Source: Diario Libre.

Disease trends

• Dengue: 153 cases confirmed through week 25 of 2026, slightly above 151 in 2025. The D2 serotype is circulating Source: Diario Libre.
• Malaria: 101 cases, an 84% drop from 602 a year earlier Source: Diario Libre.
• Leptospirosis: 203 cases, up sharply from 58 in 2025 Source: Listín Diario.

Key context

The Ministry of Public Health attributes reductions in maternal mortality and malaria to strengthened surveillance and vector control Source: Diario Libre. International organizations continue to urge better prenatal care and health access in vulnerable areas Source: Infobae.