The Ministry of Public Health, led by Vice President María José Pinto, held a meeting on April 17 with the Waorani Nationality of Ecuador to discuss health conditions and plan future actions. The event took place at the auditorium of the Catholic University in Tena and included 28 Waorani delegates along with national and local health authorities.
The discussion focused on evaluating healthcare advances for the Waorani communities and identifying challenges. Agreements were made to strengthen culturally relevant healthcare under the Family, Community, and Intercultural Comprehensive Care Model.
According to officials, significant progress was reported by Napo’s Provincial Health Directorate, which reached over 5,000 people within protected areas—615 from the Waorani group—and provided more than 2,500 medical consultations in 2025. Eight comprehensive health teams were established to support primary care services and track nearly all families in these territories.
Epidemiological surveillance data showed no cases of vector-borne diseases such as dengue or malaria among these populations. Screenings for HIV and hepatitis B were conducted without detecting tuberculosis cases. Maternal-infant health outcomes included zero maternal or neonatal deaths in 2025; traditional midwives participated to ensure culturally appropriate childbirth practices.
Authorities also noted ongoing challenges such as mental health issues—including alcohol use and domestic violence—and logistical barriers like geographic access and patient mobility. Telemedicine is being promoted as a tool for mental health assessments. Infrastructure improvements have begun at Chontapunta Health Center, while medicine supply levels are maintained between 71% and 87%.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment “to strengthen intercultural health through knowledge exchange, community participation, and comprehensive actions aimed at reducing gaps in service access.” Collaboration between national authorities and the Waorani is seen as central to building a management model based on shared responsibility.
