Santo Domingo, December 3, 2025 (PAHO) – The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Jarbas Barbosa, met today with the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, at the Presidential Palace to deepen bilateral cooperation and review strategic areas to continue strengthening the country’s health systems.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Public Health, Víctor Atallah; PAHO’s Representative in the Dominican Republic, Alba María Ropero Álvarez; and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rubén Silié.
During the meeting, Dr. Barbosa commended the President for his leadership and for making health a political priority, particularly in preventing noncommunicable diseases and strengthening health service networks across all levels of care.
He highlighted the country’s recent progress, including the adoption of the HEARTS initiative as a foundation for strengthening primary care; the signing of the Primary Health Care Alliance—making the Dominican Republic the first country in the region to join; and advances in implementing the CureAll Strategy to improve childhood cancer care.
The PAHO Director reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to supporting the country in consolidating primary health care, from governance and strengthening the first level of care to the use of innovative technological tools. He also expressed PAHO’s support for leveraging the Regional Revolving Funds to expand access to medicines, vaccines, and essential equipment, including actions aimed at eliminating cervical cancer in alignment with regional goals.
Dr. Barbosa emphasized that as the Dominican Republic moves toward becoming a high-income country, it will be essential to continue increasing health investment to build a stronger, more equitable, and sustainable health system.
PAHO and the Government reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together to improve access to quality services and advance better health outcomes for the entire population.
