On International Women’s Day, Ecuador’s Ministry of Public Health (MSP), under the leadership of Vice President María José Pinto, has announced a series of measures aimed at improving women’s health through increased investment and expanded preventive services.
The government reported an annual allocation for vaccination and prevention programs. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine received $5.9 million in funding, targeting both girls and boys from the age of nine, with the goal of preventing 72% of cervical cancer cases. Additionally, $7.4 million was invested in the Tdap vaccine to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough for over 624,000 pregnant women and newborns.
Screening efforts have also been intensified. In 2025, 175,524 molecular HPV screenings were conducted alongside more than 53,000 specialized breast cancer checks.
The government stated that prioritizing children has become a key policy focus to transform public health by emphasizing prevention and primary care. This approach aims to ensure that children and their families have access to comprehensive services while respecting diversity.
Maternal mortality rates have declined from 95 deaths in 2023 to 86 in 2024. Prenatal care coverage reached nearly 92%, benefiting over 226,000 pregnant women as part of the “Ecuador Grows Without Malnutrition” strategy. The MSP also reported that about three-quarters of normal deliveries are attended in free position with support from more than 3,800 women knowledgeable in ancestral practices.
Addressing violence remains a priority for the ministry. In 2025, authorities distributed over 3,100 “Purple Kits” and provided integrated support to more than 15,500 women who experienced violence. There were also over 15,000 consultations related to mental health or behavioral disorders due to substance use among women.
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Women play a central role in driving healthcare improvements: they represent two-thirds of MSP staff—over 56,800 professionals—and lead nearly seven out of ten Citizen Health Committees. By the end of 2025, four million direct medical consultations for women had been recorded.
According to the ministry: “The health of women, girls and adolescents is a priority for this State Department.”
