27°C
Malaria Cases in Azua Fall 82% as Dominican Health Measures Expand
Health authorities in the Dominican Republic reported a sharp decline in malaria cases in Azua during the first 28 epidemiological weeks of 2026, attributing the improvement to stronger surveillance, early diagnosis and targeted mosquito control efforts.
Malaria cases in Azua, a province in the southwestern Dominican Republic, declined by 82% during the first 28 epidemiological weeks of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Public Health. Officials said the improvement reflects intensified disease surveillance, expanded testing and targeted interventions aimed at controlling the mosquito that spreads the disease.
Public Health Minister Víctor Atallah announced the results during an inspection tour of the Provincial Health Directorates in Azua and neighboring Peravia. The visit included meetings with health personnel, a review of key public health indicators and the delivery of permanent appointments to healthcare workers.
Cases Drop While Testing Capacity Expands
Health authorities reported 65 confirmed malaria cases between epidemiological weeks 1 and 28 of 2026, compared with 369 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.
During that timeframe, the province carried out 22,785 diagnostic tests through a network of 64 healthcare facilities equipped to diagnose and treat malaria. The Ministry also said 53 specialized staff members were dedicated exclusively to surveillance, prevention and rapid response activities.
According to the ministry, the decline was driven by strengthened epidemiological surveillance, active case detection, prompt diagnosis and focused mosquito control measures in affected communities.
National Goal of Malaria Elimination
During his visit to Azua, Atallah praised local health teams for the progress achieved and encouraged them to continue supporting the country’s objective of eliminating malaria. He emphasized the importance of maintaining surveillance and prevention efforts to sustain the downward trend.
Peravia Reports Improvements in Disease Surveillance
The minister also visited the Provincial Health Directorate in Peravia, where officials presented results from the first half of 2026. Provincial director Addy Sánchez said the institution reached 30,694 people through health education campaigns, epidemiological surveillance and community outreach initiatives.
She also highlighted improvements made through the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE). According to provincial data, the percentage of timely disease reporting increased from 80% in 2025 to 98% in 2026, while delayed reports declined from 16.5% to 1.7%.
Permanent Appointments for Health Workers
As part of the tour, Atallah granted 50 permanent appointments to public health employees—32 in Azua and 18 in Peravia. Many of the recipients had worked under temporary contracts or daily wage arrangements for approximately four years, including personnel hired during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The minister said the appointments are part of a nationwide regularization program that has provided about 1,000 permanent positions across the Dominican Republic. He added that maintaining a regular presence in the provinces remains a priority in order to understand local needs, support healthcare personnel and strengthen the operational capacity of Provincial Health Directorates.
