The National Government, through the Ministry of Public Health, announced on March 16 that it has intensified the deployment of 302 professionals forming medical brigades to provide comprehensive care in areas affected by recent heavy rains. To date, more than 1,102 health consultations have been recorded in shelters, host homes, and sectors impacted by flooding.
The initiative is led by Vice President María José Pinto and involves multidisciplinary teams traveling by land and river to deliver direct medical attention for infectious and chronic conditions. The teams also conduct epidemiological surveillance to control outbreaks and reinforce vaccination schedules. Vector control measures include distributing mosquito nets and fumigating to prevent dengue and other diseases.
Psychologists are part of the brigades to offer emotional support for those experiencing material losses or post-traumatic stress due to the emergency. Supplies, medications based on diagnosis, and preventive health kits are also being distributed.
Between February and March 2026, brigades in Manabí province provided 384 health services in Portoviejo, Chone, and Flavio Alfaro—including neighborhoods such as Waltón García, San Pedro, and Miraflores. In Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas province, efforts focused on Valle Hermoso parish.
In Quevedo city as well as Quinsaloma and Ventanas cantons in Los Ríos province, teams attended to 485 people with a focus on temporary shelters like Los Girasoles and Naomi Rubio. In Jujan canton (Guayas province), 101 people received care; meanwhile Loja, El Oro, and Zamora Chinchipe provinces saw 431 health promotion actions carried out.
In Muisne (Esmeraldas province), integrated service days included dentistry care, vaccinations, and mosquito net distribution for vector-borne disease prevention—benefiting dozens of families with a total of 280 consultations. Brigades in Azuay, Cañar, and Morona Santiago provinces reported 106 consultations across several communities. In Zaruma follow-up visits were made to people with disabilities or vulnerable elderly after the Salvias River overflowed.
The government said it remains committed to maintaining an active presence of medical brigades throughout the climate contingency period. Coordination with local authorities aims for a swift response combining healthcare delivery with health promotion during the rainy season.
