The Ministry of Health began a technical assistance and coordination effort in the Tumbes region on March 30 to address the alert for dengue and leptospirosis as well as the emergency caused by heavy rains.
This initiative is significant because it brings together various national health authorities to respond quickly to public health threats and natural disasters affecting the region.
Directors and specialists from several departments—including the Directorate General of Health Operations, Strategic Public Health Interventions, Environmental Health and Food Safety, Epidemiology, Disaster Risk Management, and National Defense in Health—presented an epidemiological overview to local health authorities. Representatives from organizations such as Comprehensive Health Insurance (SIS), National Institute of Health (INS), National Program for Investments in Health (Pronis), and General Communications Office also outlined measures being taken to control dengue and leptospirosis.
A second meeting was held with officials at José Alfredo Mendoza Olavarría Hospital II-2. The focus was on evaluating clinical services operations. Hospital management shared data on budget execution progress, availability of pharmaceutical products, clinical service output levels, and healthcare management for patients showing warning signs of dengue or leptospirosis.
Bernardo Ostos Jara, director general of the Directorate General of Operations in Health at the Ministry of Health, said: “As a sector we arrive in Tumbes with a multidisciplinary team commissioned by Minister Juan Carlos Velasco following his meeting with the regional governor. We will conduct inspections and strengthen both primary care and hospital-level services while mapping performance on priority citizen issues because health is fundamental. As a sector we will continue providing support needed by this region.”
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to work alongside regional governments to close gaps in infrastructure and healthcare access. Officials said that sending this high-level team ensures not only technical support against epidemiological diseases but also strategic financial backing for hospital management during this climate emergency.
