Ecuador
HI Ecuador is part of the Latin America and Caribbean regional programme. It has carried out projects in the field of health and disaster preparedness, and is currently working to develop new projects and strategic partnerships.
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School in Quito, Ecuador. | © J. Maitrias / HI
HI first worked in Ecuador between 1986 and 1992 in the fields of community rehabilitation and health. In May 2016, a new mission was launched, following a devastating earthquake that left more than 600 people dead and 6,200 injured.
Between 2018 and 2022, HI worked with other organisations in the field of disaster risk preparedness, supporting the country with its anticipation projects and in making action plans more inclusive. Since 2022, HI has employed one person based in Quito and, since 2023, has been providing technical assistance to a project run by UNICEF.
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Background
Ecuador has made significant social and economic progress, but humanitarian needs are very great and the inclusion of people with disabilities, particularly women with disabilities, is still a significant challenge.
Ecuador has made significant socio-economic progress over the last decade, particularly in terms of social protection and development programmes. However, humanitarian needs are increasing among vulnerable populations and access to basic goods and services has become more difficult. Inequalities persist in access as health, education, housing and economic inclusion.
The poverty rate is estimated at 25% of the population, while the extreme poverty rate is 10.7% and mostly affects rural areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious economic consequences, increasing unemployment and poverty.
t is estimated that around half a million refugees and migrants from Venezuela are currently living in Ecuador, a large proportion of whom are in the country illegally (73%). This limits their access to state services and formal employment, exposing them to risks and limiting their prospects for socio-economic integration.
Ecuador is also prone to natural disasters including floods, landslides, droughts and earthquakes. Vulnerability to phenomena such as El Niño is heightened by the fact that 96% of the urban population lives in coastal and mountainous regions.
Number of HI staff: 1
Programmed opened in: 1986
