Context

In recent years, Venezuela has been experiencing a socio-political and economic crisis that has led to one of the largest refugee crises in the world. 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled the country, mostly to other countries in Latin American and the Caribbean. Even in host countries, however, Venezuelans struggle to find stable housing and jobs and, consequently, some people choose to return to Venezuela. 

There are currently 7.6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in the country and millions of people do not have access to adequate food or health care. According to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, food insecurity will reach crisis levels for about 2 million people by 2024. Access to school is becoming increasingly difficult due to inadequate infrastructure and lack of teachers. It is estimated that 900,000 children are out of school, and at least 1.3 million are at risk of dropping out.

INTERSOS’ intervention

INTERSOS’ intervention in Venezuela focuses on improving access to specialised, and comprehensive protection services, including case management, psychosocial support, legal aid and response to Gender-Based Violence. 

Our staff played a crucial role in responding to the needs of the crisis-affected communities by providing comprehensive health services and strengthening the response capacity of health structures, including general medical consultations, nutritional screening for children (0-59 months old), general and nutritional screening visits for pregnant women, and other essential medical care. In addition, specialised gynaecological and paediatric services have been integrated into primary care and protection services.

The INTERSOS Team has carried out community sensitisation sessions on health issues such as prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, contraceptive methods, community diagnosis of malnutrition and breastfeeding, as well as training for health centre staff on updated protocols for the management of hypertensive and diabetic pregnant women, management of puerperal infections and postpartum haemorrhage. 

Mobile Health and Protection Units have been formed in order to provide an articulated and integrated medical, psychological and social response to selected vulnerable communities.