The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) has officially established the Andean Week for the Fight Against Child Malnutrition (SAL-DI) in Ecuador. The initiative, celebrated this morning in Santa Elena province, is part of a regional effort coordinated by the Andean Health Organization – Hipólito Unanue Agreement (ORAS-CONHU), involving several Andean countries.
Starting in 2025, SAL-DI will be observed during the last week of November each year. The aim is to highlight the importance of early childhood and to showcase ongoing actions to address chronic child malnutrition in Ecuador.
This measure aligns with the 2025 Plan for Priority Interventions on Chronic Child Malnutrition, which is being implemented not only in Ecuador but also in Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. These countries are committed to strengthening public policies, advancing health rights, empowering communities, and promoting healthy practices.
Samuel Reyes, National Director of Healthy Eating and Nutrition at MSP, stated: “Today we are called to take priority action for public health in our country where we are all jointly responsible with a vision to work together every day for an Ecuador free from child malnutrition. I invite you to renew our efforts for early childhood and look towards a future of development and comprehensive protection for our boys and girls.”
Roy Mora, District Director at the Ministry of Human Development (MDH), added that his institution reaffirms its commitment to working locally to reduce child malnutrition by coordinating with other state agencies and families: “Because from each of our spaces we are responsible for achieving this common goal.”
The Ministry continues its work on prevention, promotion, timely diagnosis, and treatment measures aimed at reducing child malnutrition rates. It has implemented a prioritized package—a set of health services targeting pregnant women and children under two years old—which is available nationwide.
In Ecuador, SAL-DI coincides with the National Day Against Chronic Child Malnutrition on November 30. This alignment supports both regional agreements and national strategies under the “Ecuador Grows Without Child Malnutrition” initiative led by MSP.
Santa Elena currently has the second highest prevalence rate of chronic child malnutrition among children under two years old after Chimborazo province. The authorities stressed the need for intersectoral collaboration and mobilization at local levels to reduce these rates across all regions.
A high-level discussion titled “Children Unite Us: National and Andean Commitments to Prevent Child Malnutrition” was held during the event. Topics included links between national strategies and local health actions, family inclusion and protection efforts, as well as cross-country collaboration among Andean nations.
MSP indicated it will continue joint efforts focused on protecting children’s health during their first years—recognized as critical periods for development, learning capacity, health outcomes, social skills, and abilities.
