The Ministry of Public Health, in partnership with the Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo and Fundación Ayuda en Acción, announced on March 10 the start of training for community health volunteers. The initiative is part of the “Territorios Libres de Desnutrición” project in San Andrés (Chimborazo) and Manglaralto (Santa Elena), funded by the European Union.
The program aims to address chronic child malnutrition through public policies led by Vice President María José Pinto. It focuses on providing comprehensive care during the first 1,000 days of life, emphasizing territorial and community action.
Volunteers will be trained using a socio-constructivist model that values local knowledge and encourages active learning. The goal is for participants to play key roles in identifying pregnant women and young children, connecting them with health services, detecting early risks, monitoring social determinants of health, and maintaining close communication between communities and health facilities.
Iván Pulgar, project coordinator at Ayuda en Acción, said: “No solo trabajamos en salud; articulamos acciones en agua segura, soberanía alimentaria y educomunicación. El objetivo es mejorar las prácticas de cuidado familiar y asegurar que ningún niño se quede fuera del control del niño sano”.
The project’s strategy is based on six pillars: improving access to potable water and sanitation; strengthening family gardens and food systems; expanding preventive health coverage; promoting culturally relevant care practices; fostering intersectoral collaboration to prioritize fighting chronic child malnutrition; and generating technical evidence to replicate this model elsewhere.
Rogelio Echeverría, National Director of Social Participation at the Ministry of Public Health, said: “La participación de los vigilantes es vital para acercar la salud a las familias. Su labor fortalece la prevención y la corresponsabilidad social, generando impactos sostenibles en el desarrollo de nuestra niñez”.
Community-based surveillance strengthens direct communication between local actors and health services. These volunteers are positioned within their territories to identify early warnings and facilitate timely referrals aimed at preventing chronic child malnutrition.
