Achievement of Zero Hunger in Ecuador: reflections on nutrition programs

Abstract

Malnutrition and obesity are problems that affect society. These conditions, combined with high levels of poverty, create obstacles to achieving the goals of ending hunger (Sustainable Development Goal SDG-2). Ecuador is no exception to this social problem, which has been further exacerbated by the global COVID-19 health emergency. The Andean country has a population of approximately 17 million people. As of 2018, 36.2% of the population lived in rural areas. Additionally, nearly a quarter of its inhabitants (24.2%) lived in poverty, and 7.9% suffered from undernutrition (PSAN, 2020). The prevalence of chronic malnutrition and overweight has increased over the past three decades. However, the country has achieved milestones in food and nutritional security (FNS) since 2018. It is necessary to draw attention to nutritional issues and develop strategies that will improve the country’s resilience in times of adversity, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Ecuador’s Constitution has recognized the right to food, seeking to improve the population’s nutritional status. The country has developed frameworks that integrate food and nutrition security through monitoring and the implementation of social protection programs, thereby promoting the well-being of the general population. COVID-19 could jeopardize the progress made by national social protection programs.