Dominican Republic Reduces Malaria Cases by 23% and Advances Toward Elimination

SANTO DOMINGO — The Dominican Republic reduced malaria infections to 925 in 2025, a 23% decrease compared to the 1,203 cases reported in 2024. These advances were assessed through the results-based financing model of the Regional Malaria Elimination Initiative (RMEI), administered by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

This progress has brought the country closer to controlling transmission and accelerating elimination, despite challenges associated with migration flows, which require highly sensitive surveillance systems and timely response capacity.

The RMEI results-based financing model establishes clear, verifiable, and achievable targets for all participating countries, with compliance assessed through an external and independent evaluation process. In the case of the Dominican Republic, this approach has helped align resources, strengthen institutional capacity, and improve the performance of the national malaria program.

Thanks to the leadership of the Ministry of Public Health, the Center for the Prevention and Control of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases (CECOVEZ), and the National Health Service, the country has continuously strengthened its technical and operational capacity. Results have been driven by risk micro-stratification, evidence-based planning, and reinforced territorial response.

The country has consolidated a more timely and higher-quality surveillance system, with improvements in reporting timeliness and completeness, as well as an increase in the proportion of suspected cases receiving diagnostic testing. The Dominican Republic currently maintains a fully operational national diagnostic network aligned with international standards.

One of the most significant advances is in patient care. A total of 70.4% of malaria cases receive appropriate treatment within the first 24 hours—a key factor in interrupting transmission and preventing complications. This outcome reflects the modernization of information systems, improved coordination across levels of care, and enhanced response capacity in prioritized territories.

The country has detailed action plans and updated data to guide rapid interventions, centrally coordinated by the Ministry of Public Health and CECOVEZ.

The Dominican Republic is also seeking to strengthen timely detection in prioritized areas and reinforce links with local health networks through the Volunteer Collaborators (ColVol) strategy.

Achieving the RMEI regional incentive represents more than financial recognition: it validates strong institutions, evidence-based national decision-making, and a sustained commitment to malaria elimination. With support from RMEI, administered by the IDB, and partners such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Malaria Zero Alliance, the country is consolidating its position as a regional reference and continues advancing with determination toward the definitive elimination of the disease.