Child deaths increase in the DR during the first half of 2026

Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic recorded an increase in infant mortality during the first semester of 2026, according to data from the Ministry of Public Health, which reflect a worrying trend in the country’s maternal and child health indicators.

Between January and June of this year, 762 deaths of children under five years of age were reported, including newborns, as well as cases related to women who experienced complications during pregnancy, childbirth, or up to six months after gestation.

Official statistics show a trend that keeps health authorities on alert, due to the need to strengthen prevention, surveillance, and timely care actions to reduce maternal and infant deaths.

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Infant mortality continues to be one of the main challenges for the Dominican health system, which is why specialists insist on strengthening prenatal check-ups, guaranteeing access to quality health services, and promoting education campaigns aimed at mothers and families.

The Ministry of Public Health periodically publishes these indicators as part of national epidemiological monitoring, with the aim of guiding public policies intended to reduce preventable deaths and improve care for the maternal and child population.