Health and Safety in Dominican Republic

The main areas of health dangers in the Dominican population that the USAID aim to undertake are HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment; family planning/reproductive health; and child survival. The Health sector reform gives the structural and organization validation for such delegation to take place. As of 2005, the total expense on health is 5.7% of the country’s GDP; health per capita is US$378.

Life expectation at birth (male/female) is from 66% to 74%; healthy life anticipation at birth (male/female) is from 57% to 62% (in 2003); possibility of dying below five for every 1000 live births (male/female) is 29; chance of dying between 15 and 60 years for every 1000 population (male/female) is between 138 and 275.

Safety measures are suggested against Cholera, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, malaria, Measles, polio, Tetanus-diphtheria, typhoid and rabies for those who intend to go outside the main traveler resort areas. Tourist should be knowledgeable of the high incidence of the HIV/AIDS virus in the country and take the pertinent precautions. Other infectious diseases that are prevalent in the country include Brucellosis, Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, Eastern equine encephalitis, Lymphatic filariasis and Schistosomiasis among others. There are fine hospitals and other private health facilities settled in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata. Dominican can dial 911 for public ambulance and for private ambulance dial 809-412-5555 or 809-948-7299 for Pro Med ambulance services; payment is required at time of service.