The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) has outlined its ongoing efforts to address tuberculosis (TB) in Ecuador. In a press conference held in Quito, Andrés Carrazco, the Undersecretary of Surveillance, Prevention and Health Control at MSP, explained that the government is implementing four main strategies: economic investment, vaccination, diagnosis, and treatment.
Carrazco stated that the government invested $4 million in 2025 for annual supplies of medicines, equipment, medical materials, and devices. These resources support prevention, control, diagnosis, and monitoring initiatives for TB across the country.
According to official data, there were 9,142 TB cases reported nationwide in 2025 and 448 cases so far in 2026. This brings the total number of cases to 9,590. The MSP maintains a stock of 500,000 BCG vaccines aimed at preventing TB in newborns.
Diagnostic capacity has expanded significantly; testing increased from 10,000 tests in 2019 to 114,000 tests in 2025. The ministry has also implemented 130 molecular diagnostic devices and portable technology. Additionally, X-ray machines with artificial intelligence and genomic testing are now being used. This places Ecuador among the group of 31 countries worldwide recognized as pioneers for such technology.
A key change noted by officials is that more TB cases are being detected because health authorities are actively searching for them rather than an actual increase in disease prevalence.
Treatment for TB is provided free of charge for both first- and second-line medications for up to six months. There is also coordination with other institutions such as SNAI (National Service for Comprehensive Attention to Adults Deprived of Liberty), the Armed Forces (FF.AA.), and Police to ensure care for people deprived of liberty under the DOTS model.
Ecuador’s epidemiological status regarding TB has improved. The country is currently classified as category 4 by the World Health Organization (WHO), where category 6 represents the lowest level of transmission. Ecuador reports 52 cases per 100,000 inhabitants—a figure that reflects progress toward a lower transmission category due to rapid diagnosis efforts.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing clear and verified health information based on scientific evidence and regularly updated epidemiological bulletins published on www.salud.gob.ec.
