The Ecuadorian government, through the Ministry of Public Health, announced on March 18 the official delivery of medical devices and prevention supplies to the Ecuadorian Coalition of People Living with HIV/AIDS (CEPVVS). The initiative aims to benefit more than 100,000 people from key populations and promote timely diagnosis nationwide.
Led by Vice President María José Pinto, the Ministry allocated approximately USD 112,820 for 2026 as part of its national response to HIV. The supplies distributed include 358,740 male condoms, an equal number of water-based lubricants, 22,628 fourth-generation rapid HIV tests, and 406 third-generation rapid HIV tests.
During a ceremony in Quito, Fausto Vargas, General Secretary of CEPVVS, said: “Nuestro compromiso con la respuesta nacional al VIH queda ratificado, participamos activamente. El compromiso de gestión, de exigencia del cumplimiento de la garantía de derechos es fundamental para nuestra fundación. Agradecemos al Ministerio de Salud Pública por la atención y la respuesta que ha dado siempre.”
Andrés Carrazco, Undersecretary for Surveillance, Prevention and Health Control at the Ministry of Public Health, said: «El Fondo Mundial, tiene un fin, eliminar el VIH en el país. Lo que entregamos hoy a la ciudadanía a través de la CEPVVS es para que puedan ejecutar de manera adecuada las estrategias de prevención. Estas pruebas nos permitirán detección temprana del VIH para la vinculación inmediata a las Unidades de Atención Integral y entrega gratuita del medicamento antirretroviral».
This effort is part of Grant No. ECU-H-MOH-4688 and a tripartite agreement between the Ministry of Public Health, Corporación Kimirina and Fundación CEPVVS. Currently about 50,000 people living with HIV receive comprehensive care at the Ministry’s 52 Comprehensive Care Units across Ecuador.
With this distribution of supplies, the Ministry seeks to reduce virus transmission and ensure effective health access for key groups such as men who have sex with men, transfeminine individuals and sex workers.
