Ecuador faces one of the most painful and urgent realities in the region: it has the highest rate of chronic child malnutrition (CCM) in South America. 2 out of 10 children suffer from this condition, which profoundly limits their opportunities from the very first days of life.
Chronic child malnutrition is not just a statistic; it is a structural problem that affects the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of thousands of children in the country. The effects are devastating and often irreversible: more illnesses, greater learning difficulties, and fewer future employment opportunities. Nationally, this impact represents a loss of approximately 2.4% of annual GDP.
What is REDNI?
Fundación REDNI was created as a response to this crisis. We work to transform this reality from its roots, through evidence-based strategies and international best practices, focusing especially on the critical window of the first 1,000 days of life—the most crucial period for human development.
We support families in highly vulnerable situations across nine provinces, soon expanding to a tenth. Since 2021, we have assisted over 2,750 pregnant mothers, promoting access to health services, balanced nutrition, breastfeeding, hygiene practices, safe water, and early stimulation.
Through educommunication strategies, we have also reached over 9 million Ecuadorians, raising awareness and engaging society in the fight against CCM. We work closely with public institutions, advocate for improved essential services, and lead a coordinated effort with more than 150 private sector and civil society organizations.
A Space to Grow with IMPAQTO
One of our greatest commitments is to invest the majority of our resources in activities directly related to programmatic impact. This means reducing fixed costs, such as office space, without compromising team quality or commitment.
In that journey, we turned to IMPAQTO, seeking a space that would allow us to operate efficiently without sacrificing comfort or collaboration. Since then, this partnership has meant much more than a physical space: it has provided a safe, functional, and purpose-driven environment, where every day we continue working for Ecuador’s early childhood.
A Network That Transforms
Being part of IMPAQTO’s community of change agents is both an honor and a great opportunity. We are inspired to be surrounded by organizations that, like us, believe in a fairer future and actively work to achieve it.
We strongly believe in the power of networked work. IMPAQTO encourages us to reach out, collaborate, share experiences, and build together. Because we know that the only way to achieve sustainable results is by working in community, with a common purpose: reducing child malnutrition and building an Ecuador with more opportunities for all.
Autora: Fernanda Vásconez
Gerente de Relaciones Estratégicas
Fundación REDNI
