The government of President Daniel Noboa, with support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in Ecuador, has delivered technological equipment to 19 communities along the border and in the Amazon region. This initiative aims to enable community health monitors to report health alerts in real time, improving the country’s ability to respond to future pandemics.
Led by Vice President María José Pinto, the Ministry of Public Health is implementing the Pandemic Response Optimization Project through Engaged Communities and Territories (PROTECT). The project uses Community-Based Event Surveillance (VEBC) across eight provinces. It coordinates efforts with the ministries of Environment and Agrocalidad, integrating human, animal, and environmental health under a “One Health” approach.
María José Pinto stated: “The strengthening of the health system involves prevention, early detection, and effective coordination between state institutions.”
The new electronic equipment will improve communication between local monitors and health centers in provinces such as Carchi, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Morona Santiago, Zamora Chinchipe, Loja, and Sucumbíos. According to Sonia Quezada, PAHO/WHO representative in Ecuador, the donation is valued at $187,425 and targets 11 prioritized cantons for an estimated 66,000 residents.
Javier Medina, acting Minister of Environment and Energy said that these tools will enhance early warnings about diseases from wildlife through community monitors. He added that they will help establish a list of priority zoonotic diseases for surveillance. “We seek to strengthen all management related to wildlife in areas closely linked to activities such as trafficking and illegal possession of wild fauna,” he said.
A national health authority added: “This project strengthens the Ministry of Health because it improves its response capacity from within communities; it connects them with the formal health system and ensures timely information reaches those responsible for action.”
The PROTECT project operates in prioritized communities located across several provinces: Zone 2 (Napo and Orellana), Zone 6 (Morona Santiago), Zone 7 (Zamora Chinchipe and Loja), Zone 3 (Pastaza), Zone 1 (Carchi and Sucumbíos). It is funded by a pandemic fund across seven South American countries with a goal to improve early detection capabilities through intersectoral cooperation using a comprehensive ‘One Health’ model.
Ecuador’s participation aims to reinforce surveillance systems against future pandemics.
