As part of the visit, Kirstine Damkjaer provided updates on UNOPS global activities and reaffirmed UNOPS commitment to advancing sustainable development in Ecuador.

With the aim to strengthen partnerships in key sectors such as health, transport and mobility, renewable energy and education, Ms. Damkjaer met with several government authorities and key institutions, including the office of the Vice President, the National Assembly, the Ministry of Public Health (MSP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility (MREMH), and the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS).

The Deputy Executive Director also visited the government’s Emergency Centre (ECU 911), one of many health facilities that benefited from the delivery of 311 advanced life-support ambulances procured by UNOPS through two initiatives carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Health and IESS. These efforts aim to strengthen emergency health services and pre-hospital care, contributing to more equitable access to healthcare and timely medical attention nationwide.

“After more than 10 years without renewal, today we have 188 modern ambulances that strengthen pre-hospital care, thanks to the support of UNOPS. Our goal is clear: to improve the quality and volume of health services, and – above all – patient outcomes,” said Jimmy Daniel Martín Delgado, Minister of Public Health.

Francisco Abad, Director General of IESS, said: “The collaboration between IESS and UNOPS has been a great success, especially with the ambulance project, which has enabled us to achieve significant savings and ensure more efficient and transparent processes.”

“We are proud to work with Ecuador to provide infrastructure, procurement and project management solutions that improve people's quality of life,” she added.

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