The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) in Ecuador held the first meeting of the Technical Advisory Commission of the National Council for the Support of Breastfeeding (CONALMA) in Quito. This initiative is part of efforts to strengthen maternal and child health policies.
The meeting, led by Vice President María José Pinto, involved several government ministries and agencies. These included the Ministries of Human Development; Labor; Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Fisheries; as well as ARCSA and ACCES. The aim is to reinforce an inter-institutional commitment to achieve optimal breastfeeding coverage for children in Ecuador.
Ruví Guzmán, Undersecretary for Promotion, Intercultural Health and Equality at MSP, commented on the significance of this step: “It will allow us to make timely decisions and apply innovative strategies around breastfeeding, make crucial changes to improve the lifestyle of children and mothers, as well as strengthen our commitment so that from every space we are direct actors in change.”
The Technical Advisory Commission serves as a specialized body supporting decision-making and implementation of strategic actions under current regulations on breastfeeding. It also encourages participation from civil society, academia, United Nations agencies, organizations such as IESS, ISSFA and ISSPOL to promote a collective response for mothers and children.
Ángela de Lourdes Tipán, General Undersecretary at the Vice Presidency’s office, noted that evaluating indicators has been challenging but necessary: “The Vice Presidency is responsible for social issues interconnected with childhood malnutrition, prevention of teenage pregnancy, mental health and intercultural education. Our work is to transform the lives of boys and girls in this country.”
UNICEF supports these efforts through technical workshops focused on analyzing context and defining objectives related to breastfeeding support nationwide. Marysol Ruilova from UNICEF stated: “Strengthening breastfeeding from the first moment is essential; we need everyone’s support. Breastfeeding not only prevents all forms of malnutrition but also overweight, obesity and chronic diseases.”
The Technical Advisory Commission provides education guidance, monitors advertising for breastmilk substitutes according to international codes, supports international cooperation initiatives and aims to ensure natural nutrition from birth remains a priority for child wellbeing in Ecuador.
