The Ministry of Public Health announced on April 15 that a total of 331 people in Taisha, Morona Santiago province, received medical attention during March and the first half of April. These efforts are part of the ongoing health initiatives under President Daniel Noboa’s administration to bring healthcare services to remote communities.
The focus on Taisha reflects the government’s priority to ensure comprehensive well-being for residents living in hard-to-reach areas. Mobile health brigades have continued visiting local communities, providing care for children, men, and women who may otherwise face barriers accessing healthcare.
In addition to routine consultations, authorities reported that defibrillator equipment was delivered to local health facilities in 2024. Women from the community also underwent screenings aimed at early detection and prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV). In 2025, an integrated intervention plan was implemented to prevent and control diseases such as dengue and yellow fever. Medical teams responded promptly to epidemiological alerts by distributing medicines, mosquito nets, and conducting tests for malaria and dengue.
Efforts have continued into 2026. Vice President María José Pinto visited Taisha to assess services firsthand and coordinated the acquisition of antivenom serum following scorpion stings among children in the area. The ministry has also organized urgent transfers for patients with severe conditions so they can receive timely care.
As a parallel action this past Sunday, a team from the Ministry of Public Health joined forces with representatives from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) for a thirteen-hour journey by land from Quito to Taisha. They brought vaccines, medicines, supplies, and two specialists who then traveled by small plane for thirty minutes to reach Napurak—a community home to twelve families—where residents like Alfredo Yankuam completed their vaccination schedules. “La vacuna una forma segura de mantenernos sanos y proteger a toda la comunidad,” Yankuam said.
Health brigades will remain in Taisha for two weeks with plans to continue overcoming logistical challenges so that people living in remote areas can access free and equitable healthcare.
