PAHO and Venezuela's Health Ministry advance health recovery post-earthquake

Venezuela's health sector is moving into a recovery phase, with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Ministry of Health collaborating after recent earthquakes. The transition marks a shift from immediate emergency response to long-term rehabilitation and strengthening of health services.

During the critical emergency phase, PAHO provided substantial technical assistance. This included deploying national and international specialists, coordinating 22 Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) from 14 different countries, and facilitating the delivery of 33.5 tons of vital medicines and equipment to affected areas. A total of 44 allied organizations reported executing 571 assistance activities, reaching over 34,000 people. The support also encompassed strengthening epidemiological surveillance, ensuring vaccination continuity, and providing mental health and psychosocial support.

As the operational focus shifts, Lealou Reballos, an advisor from PAHO's Health Emergencies Department, will lead the ongoing technical support in Venezuela. Armando De Negri Filho, PAHO/WHO Representative in Venezuela, emphasized the importance of sustained coordination and consolidating capacities built during the emergency. "Health recovery requires maintaining coordination, strengthening health services, and consolidating the capacities developed during the emergency," De Negri Filho stated, reaffirming PAHO's commitment to protecting the population's health.

The strategic recovery plan prioritizes the progressive restoration of affected health facilities, maintaining immunization coverage, repairing hospital infrastructure, and enhancing the national health system's overall preparedness for future emergencies. This collaborative effort involves the Ministry of Health, Venezuelan healthcare personnel, UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, and cooperating countries.