UN Denounces Sexual and Reproductive Health Deficiencies in Venezuela Post-Earthquakes

The United Nations has highlighted critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health services for women in Venezuela in the aftermath of devastating earthquakes. Paula Narváez, the regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), stated that the agency requires an additional $10 million to bolster its assistance efforts on the ground.

Narváez explained that the seismic events damaged 41 health centers and completely destroyed three, pushing already scarce resources to their absolute limit. "Women do not stop giving birth during an emergency. However, vulnerable women and adolescents are more likely to be isolated from the vital services they need," she stated during a press briefing by the Secretary-General's spokesperson, one month after the earthquakes struck.

The UNFPA has been working to address these issues, including sharing the testimony of a 19-year-old named Camilia who was awaiting a Cesarean section amidst the chaos. The agency is also conducting workshops to help identify gender-based violence, as the risk of such cases increases in displacement camps. Narváez emphasized that gender-based violence escalates in all crises, making protection, including from sexual abuse and exploitation, a crucial component of any humanitarian response.

While definitive figures on gender-based violence cases are still being compiled, Narváez noted that reported cases are likely just the "tip of the iceberg," with many minors not reporting abuse due to fear of retaliation. Despite the challenges, there is significant international cooperation on the ground, particularly from medical professionals and gynecologists from the Dominican Republic providing essential services. Venezuelan authorities recently reported that the earthquakes resulted in 5,398 deaths and 16,740 injuries, with 23,335 people housed in shelters and camps.