Ecuador has launched a national measles vaccination campaign, beginning with events in nine cities across the country. The campaign comes as a response to warnings from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) about a rise in measles cases throughout the Americas and the region’s loss of its elimination status.
At the main event in Quito, Vice President María José Pinto highlighted the government’s commitment to public health and future generations. She stated, “When it comes to our children, there is no room for doubt. Health does not begin in the hospital; it begins with prevention. Alongside President Daniel Noboa, there is political will and concrete actions to ensure a healthy future. The Ministry of Public Health has invested $2.6 million in 460,000 safe and free vaccines. We do not stop at words; we act.”
Arturo Romboli, UNICEF representative in Ecuador, commended the initiative and emphasized its historical impact: “The measles vaccine alone has saved nearly 94 million lives since 1974. UNICEF supports the Ministry of Health along four strategic lines: increasing coverage in vulnerable areas, training personnel in the Amazon region, developing the 2026 Vaccine Manual, and running a communication campaign to combat myths about vaccines.” Romboli also addressed families directly: “Every dollar invested in childhood immunization generates a return of $54 in health and economic benefits. We urge parents to check that their children have all their vaccines; it is the most effective way to protect their lives and futures.”
Sonia Quezada, PAHO representative in Ecuador, warned about current risks: “Unfortunately, the Americas have lost their status as a region free of transmission due to uninterrupted circulation of the virus in several countries. The risk for public health today is defined as very high,” she said, noting that one infected person can transmit measles to between nine and eighteen others.
Quezada added that while Ecuador was confirmed free of endemic measles just two months ago, external threats remain strong with over 1,000 cases reported across seven countries so far this year. PAHO recommends achieving vaccination coverage above 95%. “We reaffirm our commitment to Ecuador through the Revolving Fund by guaranteeing vaccines of maximum quality and safety so that the country continues being a reference point for immunization,” she said.
The campaign urges parents and caregivers to ensure children receive two doses of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine by age six. Due to increased migration flows and upcoming international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup—taking place in countries with active outbreaks—an initial dose will be given to infants aged six to eleven months in priority provinces including Carchi, El Oro, Guayas, and Galápagos.
Ecuador has remained free from indigenous measles cases since 1997 but now faces increased risk due to regional outbreaks.
María José Pinto stressed urgency: “Risk in the region has grown thirtyfold. Prevention is not optional; it is urgent,” she said.
The Ministry encourages families nationwide to visit local health centers for free vaccinations.
