In 2023, after significant unrest in Ecuador's prisons leading to hundreds of inmate deaths in 2021 and 2022, President Daniel Noboa prioritized restoring order within these facilities as a key element of his security strategy. Noboa's administration was successful in drastically reducing the number of prison riots, which were a prevalent issue during the prior years. However, despite these efforts, a Reuters investigation revealed a troubling increase in fatalities within the prison system, reaching levels not seen since the peak of disturbances.

In 2025, deaths among inmates have surged nearly fourfold compared to the previous year, attributed to factors including violence and natural causes, notably a tuberculosis outbreak that has exacerbated the situation. According to data obtained through a freedom of information request to the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Interior, a total of 1,220 inmates died in 2025, with approximately 206 fatalities resulting from violent confrontations between gangs and other forms of violence, marking a stark increase from only 46 such deaths the year prior.

The alarming trend in prison deaths not only highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Ecuadorian correctional system, despite the government's attempts to reform it, but also raises concerns about the broader implications for public safety and health within these institutions. As the government navigates these complex issues, it remains to be seen how additional measures will be implemented to address the underlying causes of this violence and the health crises affecting the inmate population.