Mental Health Law Reform
Anxiety affects 5.7% of the Dominican population, says Health Minister
Santo Domingo.– The Minister of Public Health, Víctor Atallah, reported that 5.7% of the Dominican population suffers from or has suffered from anxiety disorders, a figure that exceeds the estimated global average of 4.4%, according to data from international organizations.
Atallah explained that, in the case of depression, the situation presents a different behavior, as 4.7% of the population in the Dominican Republic has suffered from this disorder, while globally the figure reaches 5.7%.
The head of Public Health pointed out that mental disorders have experienced a significant increase worldwide. He indicated that, according to data presented in international forums such as the United Nations, more than 1,000 million people, equivalent to 12.7% of the world’s population, live with some type of mental health condition.
One of the most alarming aspects, according to the official, is that suicide has become the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29 worldwide, which reinforces the urgency of strengthening public policies in this area.
Despite this situation, Atallah highlighted important advances, such as the recognition of mental disorders as chronic diseases, which allows them to be addressed within the health system under a comprehensive approach. In addition, he emphasized that the stigma associated with these conditions continues to decrease thanks to awareness and education campaigns.
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The minister assured that mental health is a priority for the Government and is part of a “nation plan.” In that context, he announced that work is underway to modify the Mental Health Law No. 12-06, a process that has been accompanied by international organizations, sector experts, academia, and various state institutions.
Atallah indicated that the reform proposal was personally presented to the President of the Senate, Ricardo de los Santos, in August 2025 and is currently under discussion in the current legislature, with the aim of ensuring the sustainability and strengthening of public policies in health mental.
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