Ecuador

UNDP and N4H partners work with stakeholders in Ecuador to achieve the N4H objectives and advance global efforts in upstream pandemic prevention

Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and has strict regulations that punish wildlife trafficking, commercialization or possession. Nevertheless, the lack of job opportunities as well as the high economic returns from wildlife trafficking, often pushes people to enter the forests to capture specimens that can be used in tourist sites or traded, especially abroad.

Indigenous peoples often depend on subsistence hunting and fishing and are also affected by these activities. Hence, they are sometimes involved in hunting or trading species.

Wild populations, when trapped, naturally react and increase contact with the human population, besides, the existing pressure on their physiological system increases the stress in individuals. This situation weakens the immune system of the species and consequently different types of pathogens can easily emerge and affect them.

These interactions, can be either harmless or fatal, causing dangerous diseases.

In addition, Ecuador faces several challenges in terms of the implementation of a multisectoral approach that is able to address the complex health challenges that arise in result of these interactions. Despite there have been some efforts such as the national zoonoses committee and the decennial health plan, the institutional capacity among the three main institutions involved (Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock) is not strong enough to install a permanent surveillance system in the country focused on a One Health approach.

In that sense, this project seeks to promote country prevention and preparedness for emerging health threats linked to anthropogenic actions on natural ecosystems. The strategy Ecuador proposes is bases on the construction of a specialized surveillance system for the Ministry of Environment, and the strengthening connection of the existing surveillance systems of Ministry of Health and Agriculture, in order to implement and integrated system where the 3 institutions participate collaboratively in the prevention of zoonotic diseases with pandemic potential.

The project will focus its work in three components:

  • Development of the governance model that enables the specialized surveillance system of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition

  • Develop a governance model that enables the integrated zoonotic diseases surveillance system with One Health Approach

  • Capacity development, knowledge management and communication for the integrated surveillance system.

Besides, the project will focus its implementation in five pilot cities (Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Ambato and Puyo) , nevertheless, its results will be escalated nationwide.

Convening Partner

  • UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Country Partners

  • The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition of Ecuador is the national governing body responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies aimed at environmental protection, sustainable management of natural resources, and ecological transition. Its mission is to promote the conservation of biodiversity, ensure the responsible use of water resources, mitigate and adapt to climate change, and foster sustainable development strategies in alignment with Ecuador's constitutional recognition of the Rights of Nature. 

  • The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) of Ecuador  is the government institution responsible for formulating, implementing, and overseeing national health policies and programs to ensure access to quality healthcare for all Ecuadorians. Its mission is to protect and promote public health, prevent diseases, and provide comprehensive healthcare services with a focus on equity, efficiency, and social inclusion. The Ministry plays a key role in strengthening the national health system, improving health infrastructure, and addressing public health challenges, while aligning its efforts with Ecuador's constitutional principles of the right to health and well-being.

  • The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Ecuador is the government entity responsible for developing and implementing policies that promote the sustainable development of agriculture, livestock, and rural sectors. Its mission is to enhance food security, improve productivity, and support small and large producers through technical assistance, innovation, and access to resources. AGROCALIDAD (Agency for Phytosanitary and Animal Health Regulation and Control) is and adjoint agency of the Ministry of agriculture and livestock, is tasked with safeguarding the country's agricultural and livestock sectors. AGROCALIDAD ensures the quality and safety of agricultural products by implementing strict phytosanitary and animal health controls, certifying exports, and monitoring compliance with national and international regulations. Together, the Ministry and AGROCALIDAD play a critical role in supporting Ecuador's agricultural competitiveness and protecting its natural resources.

Key Documents