Ecuador signs its first National Pact for Mental Health

Ecuador signed its first National Pact for Mental Health, a historic agreement led by acting president María José Pinto and supported by 38 public, private, academic, and social institutions. The Government emphasized that, for the first time, mental health is established as a State priority.

During the event, Pinto called for strengthening intersectoral action to address a problem the country has faced for decades. "Caring for mental health is not a luxury, it's a national priority," she stated, highlighting the shared responsibility of all stakeholders to build protective environments and provide dignified care.

The Ministry of Public Health reaffirmed the state's commitment to a preventive and territorial model. PAHO/WHO praised the participatory nature of the pact, noting that rights must be experienced "in schools, neighborhoods, workplaces, hospitals, and homes," promoting a sustainable public policy.

The agreement is structured around four pillars: governance and sustainability; caring communities; mental health with rights and without stigma; and knowledge and innovation.

These guidelines aim to strengthen primary care, promote emotional education, combat discrimination, and generate evidence-based solutions.

The Vice Presidency reported that a technical phase of planning, implementation, and evaluation with a territorial approach now begins. Meanwhile, the "Where Is My Head?" festival, promoted by PAHO, was held as part of community awareness actions.