Ministry of Social Development (Uruguay)

The Ministry of Social Development (Ministerio de Desarrollo Social, MIDES) of Uruguay is the government ministry responsible for social welfare, poverty reduction, and the promotion of social inclusion in Uruguay. Established in 2005, MIDES coordinates and implements national social policies, aiming to improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations.

Its functions include the design and execution of programs related to social assistance, family support, and community development. MIDES also works to improve access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups. The ministry often collaborates with other government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies to achieve its objectives.

A key component of MIDES' work is the implementation of conditional cash transfer programs, such as the Tarjeta Uruguay Social, which provides financial assistance to families in exchange for their commitment to certain health and education practices. The ministry also focuses on addressing specific social issues such as homelessness, disabilities, and gender inequality. MIDES plays a significant role in monitoring social indicators and evaluating the impact of social policies in Uruguay.