Through a communiqué, the organization points out that the deaths of the minors between five and 13 years old occurred from November 2024 to April of this year in Mashuim, Surik Nuevo Huasaga and Shiramentza communities.

Although a medical team from Conaie is in the locality of Taisha, in the province of Morona Santiago, “the state response has been late and insufficient”.

The indigenous movement denounced the structural abandonment of the territories of eastern Ecuador and assured that “this tragedy is a reflection of a state policy that has historically relegated Amazonian health, and subordinates it to extractivist interests that threaten life”.

In view of this situation, they requested the urgent intervention of international organizations, such as the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization.

“It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, Shuar and Achuar children die without diagnosis while the State fails to fulfill its obligation to guarantee safe water and primary health care,” said the Conaie.

Assemblywoman Luzmila Abad asked to declare a health emergency in the province of Morona Santiago, which she represents, due to the death of children without the cause being known.

Abad told the local press that she requested answers from the Health Ministry regarding this emergency, however, the request was not heeded.

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