Ecuador presents policy to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by 2035

Ecuador has introduced a national policy aimed at significantly reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by the year 2035. This initiative places a strong emphasis on improving access to healthcare services and enhancing the quality of care provided to women throughout their pregnancy, during childbirth, and in the postpartum period. The core objective is to prevent avoidable deaths through adequate and timely medical attention.

The National Policy for the Reduction of Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality 2026-2035 was developed with the crucial support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), UNICEF, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). These international agencies will continue to collaborate with Ecuador during the policy's execution phase.

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The importance of care during pregnancy and during the first years of life.

The new policy advocates for comprehensive, continuous, timely, safe, and culturally sensitive care for both women and newborns. A key focus is strengthening the primary healthcare level, which includes expanding access to prenatal check-ups and ensuring qualified assistance during delivery. Essential care for newborns and follow-up during the postpartum and neonatal periods are also integral components.

Furthermore, the plan incorporates measures to identify risk factors early and address them promptly, including protocols for managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies. The Pan American Health Organization highlighted that Ecuador is adopting this policy at a time when it has been identified as a priority country within a regional strategy to accelerate maternal mortality reduction in the Americas. The Vice President of Ecuador stated that the government will finalize the implementation plan, including specific goals, responsibilities, and indicators, within 90 days.

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The need to ensure that women and adolescents can access information and services of sexual and reproductive health. Also highlighted the importance of facilitating access to modern contraceptive methods.