Ecuador, Nov. 5 -- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is lending $250 million to help Ecuador reduce morbidity and mortality from chronic, noncommunicable diseases by strengthening prevention, diagnosis, and access to comprehensive treatment.The program, which has been approved by the IDB's Board of Executive Directors, will improve decision-making by creating clinical protocols and operational standards for health facilities, as well as by implementing information systems to monitor chronic diseases.The operation will enable Ecuador to purchase equipment for primary care and specialized treatment of chronic diseases and cancer. It will also strengthen healthcare personnel and roll out an information system for better patient follow-...