During the 2024–2025 biennium, PAHO supported Ecuador in strengthening immunization coverage by using the Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) as a strategic platform to recover coverage levels and address priority public health risks. In 2024, with PAHO technical cooperation, the country achieved 100% of the national target for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, immunizing nearly 500 000 girls and boys – a significant step toward the elimination of cervical cancer.

In 2025, VWA also supported the response to tetanus risk following the notification of cases, prioritizing vaccination among adolescents and adults, particularly in higher risk groups, and surpassing the national target. PAHO’s contribution included strategic planning, technical guidance, and support for risk communication, strengthening decision-making and the implementation capacity of the national program.

In addition, VWA served as a platform to introduce updates to the national immunization schedule, such as the hexavalent vaccine and the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), reinforcing program sustainability. These achievements help to reduce gaps in access to vaccines and strengthen  communicable disease prevention.

Photo caption: Youth in the community of Tiwintza signaling that they were recently vaccinated
Credit: PAHO - Roberto Peñafiel