Ministry of Health strengthens comprehensive care for children and pregnant women in Esmeraldas in the face of an emergency situation due to floods – Ministry of Public Health

2023-06-30 17:50:29

Emeralds, June 30, 2023

Within the framework of the National Strategy Ecuador Grows Without Child Chronic Malnutrition, the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) verified in the health centers of the Atacames and Muisne cantons, province of Esmeraldas, the comprehensive care provided to pregnant women and children under 2 years. This in the midst of the emergency situation due to the registered floods.

MSP personnel verified the correct scheduling of appointments, as well as the operation of the anthropometric equipment and hemoglobin meters, essential devices to assess the nutritional status of this population.

The team of professionals verified the necessary supply of micronutrients and vaccines in the establishments. In addition, actions were defined to strengthen the methodologies used for counseling, with emphasis on healthy eating for pregnant women and children under 2 years of age in an emergency context.

During the visit, damage to anthropometric equipment and refrigerators was identified due to flooding. Faced with this situation, immediate measures were taken to repair and replace them, ensuring their operability.

In the Boca de Canuto and Bilsa Health Centers, the redistribution of micronutrients was carried out, the same ones that are delivered to the families of the community for the consumption of girls and boys from 6 months of age.

In the same way, the need to strengthen community surveillance actions with an approach of active participation of the inhabitants of the localities was known, they become key actors to identify the health risks faced by the communities.

So far in 2023, in the establishments of the Ministry of Public Health that are part of the province of Esmeraldas, care has been provided to 9,679 pregnant women and 17,565 children under 2 years of age with the purpose of reducing and preventing chronic child malnutrition as a public health priority.

This State portfolio maintains the commitment to ensure the health and well-being of the community, especially in times of adversity.