Ecuador

While Ecuador’s national data shows that people’s health and social well-being has improved significantly at the national level, when it comes to understanding the situation at the local level, information is limited.

When governments invest in creating healthy and safe environments for children, they benefit doubly—by improving their society’s present and securing its future.

Combatting the rise in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity in Latin America was the focus of a food policy workshop hosted by Vital Strategies in Bogotá, Colombia, last month that featured six cities in the region working with the Partnership for Healthy Cities. The emphasis was on how the cities can support healthy food “environments” and reduce risk factors for NCD and obesity.

Two more cities announced their Partnership for Healthy Cities initiatives, with Melbourne encouraging commuter biking and Quito providing healthier food in schools.