The Ministry of Public Health, led by Vice President María José Pinto, announced on March 25 the launch of the National Survey on Drug Use and Mental Health among students in Ecuador’s higher education system. The initiative was presented at an event in Quito with participation from the Council of Higher Education, academic authorities, students, and international cooperation organizations.
The survey aims to provide updated and reliable data about substance use and mental health among university students. This information is intended to support decision-making and the development of public policies focused on prevention and student well-being.
Scheduled for implementation nationwide during the second quarter of 2026, the survey will use a probabilistic methodology to ensure representative results across universities, technical institutes, and postgraduate programs. Coordination with higher education institutions is expected to guarantee quality data collection.
During the event, Jessica Jaramillo, Acting Undersecretary for Surveillance, Prevention and Control of Health, said that this effort calls for a strong inter-institutional response: “La construcción del Nuevo Ecuador exige corresponsabilidad, porque la salud mental de nuestra juventud no puede esperar.”
Fidel Márquez Sánchez, president of the Council of Higher Education (CES), said: “Este hito propone políticas públicas pertinentes para una educación superior que forme profesionales competentes e integrales.”
The survey will cover eight components including legal and illegal drug use; risk perception; access to substances; participation in prevention actions; protective factors; as well as new elements such as identifying possible mental health problems like depression or anxiety. Technical support from international organizations such as CICAD/OAS and COPOLAD from the European Union will help strengthen its methodology.
Authorities say that results from this initiative are expected to help educational institutions design evidence-based prevention plans aimed at creating safe learning environments. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to work together with CES and other higher education bodies “promoting comprehensive actions that strengthen mental health and prevent drug use among young people in Ecuador.”
