Dominican Republic

The Need

Among the total population of the Dominican Republic, nearly one in three Dominicans live below the poverty line, struggling to access the health care they need. Women, children and the elderly are especially vulnerable. The country shares a border with Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Both nations are at risk for hurricanes, earthquakes, severe storms and flooding, as well as mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Zika. Despite the beautiful scenery, Dominican Republic’s environment is extremely vulnerable to disasters that impact the community’s overall health and wellbeing.

The Dominican Republic’s provinces surrounding Santo Domingo reflect the disparities between Dominican families living in urban communities and those living in peri-urban “batey” communities. These are informal communities that were started by workers of the sugar cane plantations outside of Santo Domingo. While most of the plantations have closed, these communities still exist and are home to many marginalized, vulnerable residents. Unemployment is high and even people with the opportunity to work typically earn approximately $2.00 per day.  Infrastructure and services are very weak in these communities. Most people living in rural areas are unable to reach government services in other areas and lack access to healthcare facilities, public sewer systems and reliable water sources. It is the children who suffer the most because of poverty and infrastructure problems. Child mortality rates (CMRs) in the rural areas are nearly double the country’s national average and 45 out of 1,000 children do not reach their fifth birthday while nationally, 26 out of 1,000 do not.)

While the island does have health centers, many are understaffed and undersupplied and although most of the existing healthcare services are free, many children residing in-group homes, and on the streets, are frequently unable to obtain care, even on an emergency basis. To help provide quality medical care to the communities, IMR will provide quality dental and medical services. Our mobile clinics will offer assistance to families in surrounding populations.

Our Work

IMR will be providing aid to the communities of the Dominican Republic. This is both a medical and dental trip that will be based at a central location. It is our goal to provide aid in whatever manner is necessary to help children and adults with their medical and dental needs in the communities of the Dominican Republic.

You and the rest of the volunteer team will educate locals on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. Together, we will treat a wide variety of acute and chronic illnesses; some resulting from malnutrition. However, one of the major focuses of this mission is dentistry. All families and individuals with children in the communities are encouraged to attend; therefore, demand for dental care will be high. We will provide infant care, as well and strengthen the maternal knowledge of the mothers.

IMR is committed to enhancing our sustainable footprint in every location.   You and the rest of the volunteer team will educate patients on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. Together, we will treat a wide variety of acute and chronic illnesses, some resulting from malnutrition. Certified to teach BLS or CPR? You’ll have the opportunity to put your skills to work training local healthcare workers to further IMR’s mission to provide sustainable education.

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

The Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean and is about twice the size of New Jersey. It is located on the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. Spanish is the official language. The country’s total population is just over 10.2 million, with 30.5% estimated to live below the poverty line. The average life expectancy is 71.3 years. The majority of the population works in the service sector, 64.7%, with 20.8% working in industry, and 14.4% in the agricultural sector.

You will have the opportunity to learn about the great historic and geological value of this region originating from the volcanic eruptions that took place there during Prehistory. It is easy to distinguish the different kinds of volcanic rocks and calcareous sandstone you can find in this area of the Los Haitises National Park.  If you are an adventurer, you may wish to spend your time away from clinic exploring beaches, caves and waterfalls.

Lodging/Transportation

On this IMR Clinical Trip, you and your fellow team members will be staying at a 2-star accommodation with safe, clean, comfortable rooms. The lodging is simple, basic, safe, comfortable, and affordable.  

All transportation to and from the clinic has been arranged for you. Professional drivers, safe vehicles, and security are some of the many reasons to join IMR on a trip.  Don’t nap – there’s a lot to see in the valleys and hills surrounding your home away from home this week!

Highlights

The gratitude that you receive while working with the people of the Dominican Republic will be life changing and may inspire you to continue humanitarian work once you return home. Outside of clinic, your trip highlights will include the exciting ways you decide to spend your free day, the island’s culinary delights, and the breezy serenity of palm tree lined beaches. The Dominican Republic is known for its beaches, and you will have the opportunity to have a beach day on your free day and enjoy the famous crystal clear turquoise waters the island has to offer.

Also, you can visit the prairies from San Antonio de Guerra to La Romana, which are trails formed by the action of great glaciers that have left boulders covered now by humus.

Furthermore, it is interesting to take a look into the caves of Fun-Fun, Doña Ana, and Puerta del Cielo, which are frequented by organized trips from all over the country.

For those interested in the local fauna, there is a protected area called Refugio de la Vida Silvestre Manglar de la Jina (Jina Mangle Wildlife Refuge) that is about 53 square kilometers. In the area live many bird species as well as unique mammals such as the solenodon and the hutia. There are also many bats and land lizards.

Extend Your Stay

You’re venturing across the globe. Have you considered extending your stay a few additional days to visit some of the Dominican Republic’s top spots? Join IMR on an exclusive three-day extension! 

Spend three perfect days in the unexpected tropical paradise of the Dominican Republic: a country known for its warm people, lush mountain scenery and pristine beaches. Wander through the Dominican’s charming cobblestone streets and discover the history of its capital, Santo Domingo, the oldest city in the Americas. Explore the country’s mysterious caverns and lush subtropical rainforests; play in the sand on miles-long stretch of beach and dive into the underwater beauty of lively coral reefs.

Take a look at the trip itinerary here: https://worldwidenavigators.com/trips/a-taste-of-the-dominican-republic/

For more information contact our preferred travel agency, Worldwide Navigators. 

Itinerary at a Glance