Sunday, February 22, 2026

More than 500,000 people live with depression in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo. – More than 500,000 people currently live with depression in the Dominican Republic, a condition that continues to increase and is consolidating as one of the main challenges of national public health, according to data provided by the Ministry of Public Health within the framework of World Depression Awareness Day, which is commemorated every January 13. According to health authorities, the estimated prevalence of depression in the country is 4.7%, a figure that is in line with the increase recorded regionally and globally, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. In Latin America, the rate reaches 12%, with an increase of over 30% in recent years. During the panel “Let's Talk About Depression: Recognize, Accompany, and Treat”, the Minister of Public Health, Víctor Atallah, warned that this condition does not always manifest itself in an evident way and that, in many cases, the affected people may appear normal or even happy.
More than 500,000 people live with depression in the Dominican Republic | De Último Minuto English
You can also read: Public Health holds awareness day for Depression Day in Bonao
"Depression is not a passing sadness, it is a deep state of emotional disconnection that, if not treated in time, can lead to catastrophic situations for the person and their environment," said the official. Atallah highlighted that the Ministry of Public Health, in coordination with the National Health Service (SNS), has strengthened the mental health care network, increasing the number of professionals and available services. By the year 2025, the country went from 925 to 1,100 psychologists, from 145 to 166 psychiatrists, and from 14 to 17 Crisis Intervention Units. However, he acknowledged that a deficit of psychiatry specialists persists, which is why work is being done on curriculum review, training incentives, and supervised medical training programs, in coordination with specialized medical societies.
More than 500,000 people live with depression in the Dominican Republic | De Último Minuto English
For his part, the Vice Minister of Collective Health, Eladio Pérez, emphasized that depression should not be seen as a weakness, but as a health condition that can affect anyone and whose prevention requires the commitment of the whole society. Meanwhile, the director of Mental Health, Alejandro Uribe, pointed out that depression is among the three main causes of medical consultation in the country, although it continues to be underestimated due to the social stigma surrounding mental disorders.
You may be interested in: “There are always signs”: psychiatrist calls to recognize depression in time and break the stigma
Authorities reiterated the call to recognize the warning signs, seek professional help in a timely manner, and promote a culture of accompaniment and prevention, as fundamental pillars to address this public health issue.

In the spotlight

  • aplicacion - banner 300px

  • banner altices 300x250 junio 2025

Explore more

After criticism, Mayor Eduardo Kery Metivier receives praise for his management in La Romana

La Romana, R.D. – After facing questions and attacks from critical sectors, Mayor Eduardo Kery Metivier has begun to receive recognition and praise for his management of the City Council of the Municipality of La Romana, where various community leaders highlight significant advances in infrastructure and services. So far in its term, the current municipal […]

Content creators in Mexico, victims of violence linked to organized crime

Mexico — Various cases of assaults and homicides of content creators and personalities from internet in Mexico have been associated at different times with the violence of organized crime, especially with the environment of the recently deceased leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho.” Among the cases that […]

Today's agenda: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Santo Domingo.- These are the most relevant activities scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026 in the main cities of the Dominican territory. Today's Agenda: 9:00 a.m. Institutional Breakfast "Transformation and Reordering of Sabana Larga Avenue". Place: Municipal Palace, Santo Domingo East City Hall. 6:00 p.m. Press conference of the Quiéreme como soy Foundation. Location: Downtown […]

Experts identify possible successors to CJNG after the death of “El Mencho”

Mexico — Federal authorities and security analysts have begun to profile potential candidates to assume the leadership of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) after the death of its top leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”. According to intelligence reports and specialized sources, there is no single and clear successor; instead, at least "five […]

Edgar Augusto Félix highlights the PRM's growth and commitment to the country of that organization

Santo Domingo. - The political leader, Edgar Augusto Félix Arbona, highlighted that the 11th anniversary of the founding of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), finds that political organization in ascending institutional growth, which has allowed it to consolidate as a determining force in the national democratic scenario. Féliz Arbona, expressed that this new anniversary represents […]

The United States collaborated in an operation where "El Mencho", leader of the CJNG, was killed.

Mexico. – Mexican authorities confirmed that the military operation in which Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” was killed, had the collaboration of security agencies from the United States, as part of the bilateral cooperation mechanisms in intelligence matters. The intervention was carried out by special forces of the Secretariat of National Defense in the […]