Ecuador

International Activity Report, 2007

MSF in 2004 began a project of integral attention to HIV/AIDS in three health areas of Guayaquil town

Ecuador's Tungurahua volcano, located near the tourist town of Banos, erupted in mid-July and again in August 2006, prompting the evacuation of people in its vicinity. On both occasions, MSF provided support to the displaced population through area health structures. Medical and material aid, including shelters and hygienic kits, were provided for more than 3,000 people. Although the Tungur was active intermittently throughout 2006 and 2007, medical staff was sufficient and MSF was not needed to provide any human resources. Medical material to support rehabilitation of the hospital and health centres in the area was supplied.

Guayaquil HIV/AIDS project

MSF in 2004 began a project of integral attention to HIV/AIDS in three health areas of Guayaquil town, which has the highest prevalence of HIV in Ecuador. Guayaquil has only one reference hospital and one "health attention unit." MSF opened a new attention and treatment unit in the hospital, and also three maternity and eight health centres, providing free access to counseling and testing, antiretroviral treatment (ART) lab follow-up, and health education. By June 2007, MSF had attended to 1,770 patients and initiated 530 of them on ART.

MSF is finalising the handover process of the Guayaquil project to the Ministry of Health, and the official closure of the project is planned for December 2007.