Waorani ancestral health and medicine: rights and access during the COVID-19 pandemic year 2020.

Abstract

The Waorani community in Pastaza was severely affected by COVID-19 in 2020, due to the lack of state resources and the poor implementation of intercultural policies in public services. This violated constitutional rights and international standards that protect indigenous traditions. The research analyzes how the lack of state support and disrespect for traditions negatively impacted Waorani health and ancestral medicine. Using a mixed methodology, the study concludes that the lack of state control was key in the spread of the virus and highlights the need to balance the right to health with the preservation of ancestral practices through intercultural public policies.