Ecuador Roundup: Health alert over whooping cough, Ecuador’s First Lady meets King Charles, Noboa’s election win

FILE PHOTO: Ecuador’s president Daniel Noboa, who is seeking re-election, addresses the media on the day of a televised presidential debate, in Quito, Ecuador March 23, 2025. REUTERS/Karen Toro/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Ecuador’s president Daniel Noboa, who is seeking re-election, addresses the media on the day of a televised presidential debate, in Quito, Ecuador March 23, 2025. REUTERS/Karen Toro/File Photo
Source: REUTERS

Study reveals insights into mental health of healthcare providers in Ecuador during COVID-19

A new study by researchers from Universidad San Francisco de Quito and Johns Hopkins University has found that while most healthcare workers in Ecuador experienced high levels of compassion satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic, many also faced moderate burnout and secondary traumatic stress. The study, published in Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, surveyed nearly 2,900 providers in 111 public institutions across 23 provinces between February and July 2022. It showed 84.9% reported high compassion satisfaction, but 57.1% experienced burnout, especially in the Amazon region and 59.6% reported secondary traumatic stress. Burnout was more common among male workers and physicians, highlighting the urgent need for mental health policies in low- and middle-income countries like Ecuador.

Ecuador’s First Lady meets King Charles at Buckingham Palace

King Charles has received Ecuador’s First Lady, Angela Lavinia Valbonesi Acosta, at Buckingham Palace during an official visit by her husband, President Daniel Noboa. The 27-year-old, who is also a businesswoman and social media influencer, is known for her elegant fashion sense and has previously said, “I am inspired by Lady Diana.” Valbonesi wore a navy dress and styled her hair in a neat bun as she greeted the King on Tuesday. Her visit marks a rare moment in British-Ecuadorian relations and drew attention for her public admiration of the late Princess Diana. The royal audience formed part of a wider diplomatic engagement between the United Kingdom and Ecuador. 

Ecuador court rejects final fraud claim over Noboa’s election win

Ecuador’s electoral court has rejected a final challenge from the opposition Citizens’ Revolution party over the results of April’s presidential run-off, effectively ending any legal bid to overturn President Daniel Noboa’s victory. The court ruled the fraud claims by leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez were unfounded, despite her repeated allegations and calls for a recount backed by former President Rafael Correa. Noboa, who has been officially recognised by election authorities and international observers, dismissed the fraud accusations.

Ecuador issues health alert over whooping cough, yellow fever and leptospirosis

Ecuador has issued a 60-day epidemiological alert following a rise in whooping cough, yellow fever and leptospirosis cases, prompting mandatory mask-wearing in schools across several provinces and a vaccination campaign. At least 321 cases of whooping cough have been reported, mostly in children under five, while yellow fever has infected four people in the Amazon region. Health Minister Edgar Lama said there is no epidemic but warned of the need for “aggressive” action to prevent one. From May 12, travelers from Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia must show proof of yellow fever vaccination. In Morona Santiago province, eight children recently died from leptospirosis, a bacterial infection linked to contaminated water or contact with infected animals.

Ecuador revives cross-border Geothermal Project with Colombia

Ecuador has signed a new agreement to move forward with the long-delayed Tufiño-Chiles-Cerro Negro geothermal project, a joint venture with Colombia aimed at producing 138 megawatts of clean energy along their shared border. The project, centered in Ecuador’s Carchi province, will begin with updated technical and environmental studies, exploratory drilling, and efforts to attract investment. A special technical group will oversee development and community engagement, addressing past setbacks that stalled earlier attempts. Energy Minister Inés Manzano said the project is a “key opportunity for sustainable energy generation” and reflects Ecuador’s commitment to renewable energy and regional cooperation.

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