PAHO warns Venezuela's earthquake health response enters critical phase

The health emergency in Venezuela following recent earthquakes is far from over and has entered a critical phase, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warned Thursday. The organization stressed that the response requires urgent and sustained attention.

PAHO has so far mobilized $9 million toward the $24 million needed to manage the crisis. This funding is earmarked for immediate response and recovery of essential health services, not long-term rehabilitation. The funds include contributions from PAHO's disaster fund, the WHO's emergency fund, and commitments from the European Union, the United Nations, Canada, and Spain.

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The health emergency is far from over.

Two international emergency medical teams are operating in Venezuela, and PAHO has dispatched six metric tons of medical supplies from its strategic reserve in Panama. The organization's immediate priorities are saving lives, ensuring the continuity of essential health services, and preventing further risks in the coming weeks.

PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa emphasized that the greatest dangers after such a catastrophe include overcrowding, limited access to clean water, interrupted vaccination programs, and the mental health toll on both affected populations and healthcare workers. Venezuela's northern region was struck by two powerful earthquakes on June 24, resulting in over 3,800 deaths, more than 16,700 injuries, and over 17,900 people displaced, according to government figures.

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This request is extremely urgent. It is not for rehabilitation, but for response and recovery of essential services.