Project profile — Ecuador Earthquake - Pan American Health Organization 2016

April 2016 - On April 16, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the coast of Ecuador at 6:58 p.m. local time. Hundreds have been killed, thousands injured and over 700,000 people are affected. Over 1,500 buildings have either been damaged or destroyed by the earthquake. Most urgent needs are ensuring access to clean drinking water, sanitation services, temporary shelter, food and emergency medical assistance for those affected. With GAC’s support, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is providing assistance to earthquake-affected people in Ecuador, in particular those residing in the six most-affected provinces where a state of emergency has been declared and humanitarian needs are greatest. Project activities include: (1) supporting the rapid recovery of health services and infrastructures impacted by the earthquake with structural and functional assessments, minor repairs and rehabilitation, and the procurement, temporary storage and distribution of essential medical and health supplies; (2) supporting the provision of basic services such as water, sanitation and waste disposal in the most affected areas through water quality monitoring and water storage solutions (notably water tanks and water treatment supplies); (3) restoring proper sanitation and hygiene conditions for population in shelters and affected communities with the installation of mobile sanitary units and the distribution of hygiene kits and other essential items for personal hygiene; and (4) promoting good hygiene practices and other disease prevention measures.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) reestablishment of health services and emergency medical care capacity in most affected areas; (2) improved access to safe water and proper sanitation and hygiene to population in affected communities; (3) improved epidemiological surveillance and vector control measures in affected areas; and (4) efficient coordination and management of information to effectively address the most urgent humanitarian needs. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved, suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or that are food insecure.

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