ON his arrival yesterday in Havana, Ecuadorian Vice President Lenín Moreno Garcés stated that the objective of his official visit was to express heartfelt thanks to the Cuban government and people for their cooperation on a very special campaign in that South American nation, namely the Manuela Espejo Solidarity Mission.

It is a program aimed at locating disabled individuals throughout almost the entire country, the Ecuadorian vice president explained. He was received by Ana Teresita González Fraga, Cuban deputy foreign minister, on his arrival on Sunday, October 18, at the José Martí International Airport in Havana.

In a statement to the press, the visitor also stated that the Venezuelan government of President Hugo Chávez has likewise contributed to this noble effort with a contribution of $21 million for technical help in attending to people with difficulties of this nature. He explained that the Ecuadorian ministers for health, housing, and social and economic inclusion are joining forces on the project, as well as other entities throughout the country.

Likewise president of the National Disability Council, Moreno commented that for the first time in his country, this is a program that comprehensively tackles and considers solutions for people living with any kind of handicap and defends their rights, which to date have been violated.

The Manuela Espejo Solidarity Mission is also an initiative within the "Ecuador Without Barriers" program, promoted by the vice presidency of the Republic, the objective of which is to determine the causes of disabilities, and to identify and analyze this section of the population from a biological, psychological, social, clinical and genetic point of view.

Its aim is to tailor current state policies which cover a variety of areas such as health care, education, and social welfare.

Cuba is contributing to the endeavor with a brigade comprising 239 cooperative workers, professionals in the fields of genetics, pediatric neurology, neurophysiology and other areas.

During his stay here, the Ecuadorian vice president will undertake a working agenda that includes meetings with representatives of the Cuban government.