Washington, D.C.– The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported that the health response in Venezuela has entered an early recovery phase, nearly three weeks after the earthquakes recorded on June 24, with the goal of restoring essential health services, strengthening care networks, and preventing new public health emergencies.
According to the most recent PAHO Situation Report, the disaster has left a toll of 4,333 dead, 16,740 injured, 17,907 displaced, and 38 health facilities affected. Following the initial emergency response phase, authorities and international organizations are now focusing their efforts on rehabilitating health infrastructure and ensuring the continuity of medical care.
PAHO maintains its support for the Ministry of Popular Power for Health and coordinates the Health Cluster, comprised of 110 humanitarian organizations together with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). In addition, seven specialists from PAHO/WHO regional and global response teams are in Caracas providing technical assistance in areas such as epidemiological surveillance, logistics, emergency coordination, risk communication, and hospital assessment.
Through the Emergency Medical Team Coordination Cell (CICOM), 17 international Emergency Medical Teams are currently operating in the affected areas. These teams have treated 8,489 people and performed 148 surgeries, while adapting their work toward primary care, rehabilitation, and the strengthening of community services.
The organization warned that population displacement, overcrowding, and disruptions to basic services increase the risk of diarrheal diseases, respiratory infections, vector-borne diseases, and vaccine-preventable conditions. It also alerted about the impact on mental health, nutrition, and maternal care.
As part of the preventive actions, Venezuelan authorities have defined 18 priority diseases and events for immediate surveillance. Likewise, PAHO teams have evaluated nine temporary shelters in La Guaira state to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and water, sanitation, and hygiene measures.
Vaccination continues to be a priority. To date, more than 24,406 doses have been administered against diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, and yellow fever, among others, with the purpose of preventing outbreaks among displaced populations.
Regarding humanitarian assistance, PAHO has distributed six metric tons of medical supplies, including medicines for chronic diseases, surgical equipment, and trauma kits. In addition, it is preparing the shipment of another 27.5 metric tons of aid, with the capacity to provide primary care to some 200,000 people for three months.
The organization also maintains support programs in mental health and psychosocial care, through training for healthcare personnel and the implementation of Psychological First Aid protocols in the most affected communities and shelters.
PAHO stressed that, although significant progress has been made, major challenges persist in ensuring continuous access to health services, strengthening hospital resilience, expanding rehabilitation services, improving access to drinking water, and maintaining epidemiological surveillance and immunization campaigns during the recovery process.
