Assessing the implementation of cross sectoral coordination and surveillance integration for One Health in the Dominican Republic

To evaluate the implementation of the One Health approach in the Dominican Republic, specifically assessing cross-sectoral coordination mechanisms and the integration of human, animal, and environmental health surveillance systems.

A qualitative case study design was employed, utilizing documentary analysis and stakeholder interviews. Policy documents (2011–2024), including the General Health Law, Environmental Law, and draft One Health National Strategy 2025–2030, were systematically analyzed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 purposively sampled stakeholders representing policymakers, technical implementers, field epidemiologists, and international advisors from the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, Pan American Health Organization, and Food and Agriculture Organization. Data were analyzed thematically using the Quadripartite One Health Joint Plan of Action framework to map policy intent against implementation reality across governance, surveillance, laboratory systems, human resources, and equity.

Findings reveal significant political commitment to One Health post-COVID-19 but identify critical implementation barriers. Governance structures lack legal mandates and dedicated budgets, relying on unstable informal coordination. Surveillance systems (human: SINAVE; veterinary: DIGEGA) and laboratories possess technical capabilities but operate in silos with minimal functional integration or data interoperability. Environmental monitoring systems are particularly under-resourced. High staff turnover undermines workforce capacity despite donor-funded training. Equity considerations (gender, community participation), while referenced in policy, are rarely operationalized, limiting local engagement and legitimacy.

The Dominican Republic’s transition from One Health policy alignment to operational integration requires urgent structural reforms. Sustainable implementation necessitates binding legal frameworks, dedicated multi-ministerial financing, formalized coordination mechanisms with enforcement authority, integrated digital surveillance platforms, strategies to retain skilled human resources, and institutionalized equity measures ensuring community participation. Lessons from countries like Thailand and Chile offer viable models for overcoming identified barriers.