Danilo Medina examines neonatal mortality in the Dominican Republic

Former Dominican President Danilo Medina has focused attention on what happens after mothers reach the healthcare system, arguing that access alone does not explain the country’s neonatal mortality rate.

Medina, who also leads the Dominican Liberation Party, said the country records 20.8 infant deaths for every 1,000 live births. About 80% of newborn deaths are preventable, he said, while 82% of infant deaths occur during the neonatal period, the first 28 days of life.

“This is not a coverage problem,” Medina said. He cited prenatal care coverage of 97.6% among pregnant women, arguing that the larger weaknesses emerge during and after childbirth. He called for a review of how medical protocols are applied and how babies are monitored in the days after delivery.

Premature births and low birth weight were among the main factors he identified. Medina said authorities should examine the mortality indicators in depth, determine where preventable deaths occur and establish corrective measures.

He said his comments were not a direct criticism of the government but a warning about a situation requiring a structural review of the health system. He also cited a cesarean section rate of about 68% and said only 19% of children receive six months of exclusive breastfeeding, as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Medina made the remarks after a party assembly in Salcedo, Hermanas Mirabal province, where he appeared with PLD Secretary-General Johnny Pujols.

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This is not a coverage problem.