In Ecuador, inadequate nutrition has become a public health issue. High levels of malnutrition and alimentary deficiencies are the main causes for problems such as obesity, coronary and heart diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.
Nestlé Ecuador is highly committed to contributing to the improvement of the health of local communities through active campaigns endorsing a healthy lifestyle.
In May 2006, Nestlé launched the project Nutrimóvil, which consists of a mobile unit designed to provide health consulting and first-hand education regarding healthy nutritional habits and physical wellbeing. The project is free of charge and plays an active role in various neighbourhoods around Quito (pharmacies, small communities, local fairs, urban parks, etc).
So far more than 27’600 patients have been assisted by the project. The figures are as follows:
• In 2006: 8’621 patients
• In 2007: 11’630 patients
• In 2008: 19’073 patients
• In 2009 (until May): 7’354 patients
Among the services provided by the mobile unit are:
• Height and weight measurements to determine body mass index in order to diagnose low weight, overweight and obesity conditions.
• Sketches dietary and physical activity plans custom made for each patient.
• Nutrition education
The main purpose of the project is to improve the general knowledge among the population through nutritional assessments, workshops and the distribution of nutritional contents and general information. The goal is to create healthier communities throughout impoverished locations.
Furthermore, since 2008 we started working with a second mobile unit (see picture right) in order to reach more patients.
