he Ecuadorian Red Cross
activated, in August 2023, its Early Action Plan
for extreme rains associated with the El Niño phenomenon, according to forecasts issued by the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMHI). The early actions promoted in the activation were implemented during an initial lead time of three months, which concluded in February 2024, for the delivery of monetary transfers, cleaning kits, mosquito nets, insect
repellent and water chlorination devices at the community level. Around 7,400 people in 17 communities in the provinces of Manabí, Esmeraldas and Guayas
were reached through the activation.
Most households
in the region depend on rain-fed agriculture, small animal husbandry and day labor. Cash recipients reported using the funds to cover their basic needs, such as the purchase of food and medicines. On the other hand, the relevance of hygiene and sanitation kits to reduce waterborne diseases was highlighted; however, it will be necessary to strengthen health and hygiene awareness for
future interventions.
T
A sample of 296 households was taken for the study, including the communities reached and those who
were not, to make
a comparison.
-Sabina Ortíz,
Ecuadorian
Red Cross
Ecuadorian families reported a reduction
in water-borne diseases thanks to
anticipatory actions on extreme rains
Click on the video to learn more about the evaluation