The Dominican Republic has achieved a notable decline in maternal mortality rates, reporting a 10% decrease as of early October 2025. The current figure stands at 126 maternal deaths, down from 140 during the same period last year.
Key Details on Maternal Mortality Reduction
This reduction has been credited to various health initiatives led by the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (Sinave). Although there were two maternal deaths within epidemiological week 40, this decline reflects a significant improvement over previous years.
Maternal Mortality Statistics
- 2024 (Weeks 37-40): 18 deaths recorded
- 2025 (Weeks 37-40): 14 deaths reported
Factors Contributing to Improvement
Several critical actions within the health system have contributed to the decrease in maternal deaths:
- Increased prenatal care coverage
- Strengthened obstetric emergency care
- Ongoing training for health care personnel
- Improved availability of essential medical supplies
These measures significantly enhance the quality of care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, all essential for maternal health.
Maternal Deaths by Nationality
The analysis of maternal mortality indicates a decrease in deaths among Dominican and Haitian women:
- Dominican women: 70 deaths in 2025, down from 75 in 2024
- Haitian women: 56 deaths in 2025, compared to 65 the previous year
This data underscores the need for targeted health initiatives, especially for migrant populations facing barriers to quality care.
Regional Comparisons and Ongoing Challenges
Maternal death rates vary significantly by region. The provinces with the lowest rates include:
- Santo Domingo
- San Cristobal
- San Pedro de Macorís
Conversely, areas such as La Vega, La Altagracia, and Samaná have seen an increase in maternal deaths. These findings point to improvements in urban areas while highlighting regions needing further examination to resolve issues related to delays in care and management of pregnancy-related complications.
Understanding Maternal Mortality
Maternal mortality, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days post-pregnancy due to pregnancy-related causes. These deaths are categorized into:
- Direct deaths: Resulting from obstetric complications like hemorrhage or infection.
- Indirect deaths: Arising from pre-existing conditions worsened by pregnancy, such as HIV or heart disease.
Global Perspective on Maternal Mortality
Since 2000, the global maternal mortality ratio has decreased by about 40%. In the Americas, a 19% decline was observed between 2020 and 2023, preventing nearly five daily deaths across the region. Although the Dominican Republic has made progress in reducing maternal mortality, further efforts are essential.
Enhancing primary care and prenatal services remains critical. Improving healthcare access, particularly in remote areas, is vital in the ongoing effort to combat maternal mortality.
