A critical narrative of Ecuador’s preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Ecuador’s National Health System has been severely overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic despite substantial public health efforts. This was primarily due to limited health emergency planning responses. Ecuador’s COVID-19 mortality rate was 8.5% in early June 2020. The capital city (Quito), Guayaquil city and Manabí province were the most severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in thousands of positive cases. Using the World Health Organization (WHO) Operational Planning Guidelines to Support Country Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19 as a reference point, we highlight the urgent need to implement a proactive preparedness and response plan to address the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of improving Ecuador’s public health system. The mitigation of COVID-19 transmission and hazard reduction is crucial in protecting the most vulnerable at-risk populations in this nation.