Women's health in La Guaira becomes another emergency after earthquakes

The aftermath of the June 24 earthquakes in La Guaira, Venezuela, has plunged women's health services into a state of emergency, compounding the existing humanitarian crisis.

Claris Marcos's experience exemplifies the plight of many. Her premature baby, born just 33 weeks into gestation, was in the neonatology unit of the La Guaira Social Security Hospital when the tremors struck. The hospital descended into chaos as equipment fell and staff scrambled. Mothers who had recently given birth were left largely to fend for themselves. Although family and volunteers managed to evacuate them hours later, the ordeal was far from over. Marcos has since struggled with interrupted medical check-ups and emotional distress, prompting her to seek a much-needed gynecological examination at a medical drive organized by the Fundación Más que un Aporte in Caraballeda.

Her story is not unique. Dozens of women who survived the disaster now face severe challenges accessing basic sexual and reproductive health services. The situation is particularly dire for pregnant women and adolescents living in makeshift shelters or camps near damaged buildings. "We identified the vulnerability of women at different stages and developed the women's health program in disaster situations," explained Dr. Alejandro Pazos, medical director of Fundación Más que un Aporte.

The foundation's initiative arose from observations made during visits to affected communities. Thousands of women had lost their medical histories, prenatal records, and contact with their doctors. International estimates cited by Pazos indicated that before the earthquakes, La Guaira had approximately 30,000 pregnant women, with about 4,000 nearing their due dates. In response, the foundation prioritized the continuity of prenatal and gynecological care, adopting international protocols for such situations. A field hospital set up at the Caraballeda McDonald's has become a crucial collective clinic, serving pregnant women, new mothers, and adolescents.

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We identified the vulnerability of women at different stages and developed the women's health program in disaster situations.