The Vice President of the Republic, María José Pinto, coordinated the activation of response teams through the Ministry of Public Health to address the impact of heavy rains in the cantons of Muisne, Esmeraldas province, and Zaruma, El Oro province, according to a March 10 announcement.
The deployment aims to provide timely medical care to affected populations. Medical brigades from San Gregorio and Bilsa operational units were sent to several sectors and communities in Muisne. These teams offered services including general medicine, vaccination campaigns, dentistry, prenatal care, and attention for children under two years old. More than 130 people received these services in communities such as La Muerte, El Barro, El Partidero de Bilsa, El Paraíso, El Salto, and Salsipuedes.
Preventive actions included vaccination against influenza, measles, rubella, and mumps. Over 100 people were immunized during these campaigns. The health teams also identified cases requiring priority attention: one patient with tuberculosis in El Salto community; two individuals with disabilities and diabetes needing insulin; and several patients with high blood pressure. In total, five insulin-dependent patients were registered in Bilsa and nearby areas for ongoing monitoring by health professionals.
In Zaruma and Portovelo (El Oro province), health facilities remained fully operational despite the adverse weather conditions. Medical staff continued providing medical and psychological care as well as distributing medications and following up with priority groups.
The Ministry maintains active comprehensive health care teams that conduct regular monitoring while coordinating with other institutions to protect public health. The Ministry also recommends preventive measures such as drinking boiled or bottled water; using rubber boots and gloves when in contact with water; avoiding walking barefoot; covering wounds with waterproof bandages; and staying informed through official channels.
