Ecuador unveils policy to cut maternal and neonatal deaths by 2035

The Ecuadorian government has introduced a new national policy designed to significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates by the year 2035. This initiative places a strong emphasis on enhancing access to healthcare services, bolstering care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, and implementing measures to prevent avoidable deaths.

The "National Policy for the Reduction of Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity-Mortality 2026-2035" was developed with the support of key United Nations agencies operating in Ecuador, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), UNICEF, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). These organizations will also play a role in the policy's implementation.

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The plan seeks to guarantee comprehensive, continuous, timely, safe, and intercultural care for women and newborns, as well as reduce gaps in access to health services.

A core objective of the plan is to ensure comprehensive, continuous, timely, safe, and culturally sensitive care for both women and newborns. It also aims to reduce disparities in access to healthcare services. Key components include strengthening primary healthcare services, improving access to prenatal check-ups, ensuring qualified assistance during childbirth, providing essential newborn care, and offering follow-up during the postpartum and neonatal periods.

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The policy also includes identifying and timely addressing risk factors and obstetric and neonatal emergencies, as well as measures to improve service quality and strengthen the capacities of health personnel.

The policy further incorporates the early identification and management of risk factors and obstetric and neonatal emergencies. It also includes strategies to elevate the quality of healthcare services and enhance the skills of medical personnel. PAHO highlighted that Ecuador's adoption of this policy aligns with its regional strategy to accelerate the reduction of maternal mortality in the Americas.

Ecuador's Vice President, María José Pinto, announced that a detailed implementation plan, including specific goals, responsibilities, and evaluation indicators, will be finalized within 90 days. Representatives from UNFPA and UNICEF underscored the critical importance of care during pregnancy and early childhood, as well as the need for access to reproductive health information and modern contraceptive methods for women and adolescents.

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The implementation plan, which will include goals, responsibilities, and indicators to evaluate compliance with the policy, will be ready within 90 days.