During the 2024–2025 biennium, the Dominican Republic made sustained progress in strengthening health sector preparedness and response to emergencies and disasters, consolidating key national capacities for a more coordinated, evidence-based health response oriented toward the continuity of essential health services.

With technical support from PAHO, the country strengthened its capacities in risk communication and community engagement, updated its national strategy, and developed systematic training processes. Technical cooperation was instrumental in advising on and facilitating the development of a multihazard health sector response plan, as well as harmonization of the Operational Plan for Preparedness and Response to Pandemics caused by Respiratory Pathogens.

In addition, PAHO provided technical support for the designation of Las Américas International Airport (Santo Domingo) as an air point of entry within the framework of the International Health Regulations.

In the area of hospital resilience, Safe Hospitals assessments were conducted within the framework of the regional initiative, making it possible to identify structural and functional gaps in prioritized health facilities and guide strengthening actions.

Taken together, these advances strengthen the health system’s capacity to manage health risks in a comprehensive manner.

Photo caption: Simulation of the Operational Plan for Preparedness and Response to Pandemics caused by Respiratory Pathogens in the Dominican Republic.