The political and economic crises continue to affect the lives of Venezuelans, with millions of people struggling to obtain medical care. Many hospitals across the country do not have sufficient medical staff, supplies, medical equipment, or access to basic services such as water.

MSF aims to improve basic and specialist health services, such as emergency care, sexual and reproductive healthcare, vaccinations and treatment for victims of sexual violence. Health promotion and mental health support are also important components of our projects.

In 2021, our teams provided medical assistance in 21 public health centres in seven areas of the country: Amazonas, Anzoátegui, Bolívar, Miranda, Sucre, Táchira and Distrito Capital (Caracas).  We also worked on upgrading the infrastructure of hospitals and health posts, specifically with electricity, waste management and water and sanitation services, and donated medicines and medical supplies.

In the states of Anzoátegui, Sucre and Bolívar, we continued to work on reducing the high levels of malaria by improving early diagnosis and treatment, health promotion and vector control. This year we noticed a considerable reduction in cases in the areas where we were present, and decided to extend our activities to cover vulnerable communities in the border area of Táchira state, and indigenous communities in the mining areas of Bolívar state.

As part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we strengthened protective measures in several hospitals, and implemented a COVID-19 triage system in all the health centres we support. In addition, we increased inpatient bed capacity in Distrito Capital by supporting COVID-19 wards in Vargas and Lídice hospitals, providing both medical and psychological assistance to patients.