Venezuela Crisis - Emergency Basic Health and Mental Health Care Assistance in Colombia - MSF 2019

March 2019 - Over 3.3 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015 many of whom are currently residing in neighbouring countries such as Colombia Ecuador and Peru. In addition to hosting over 1 million Venezuelans Colombia continues to suffer from the effects of longstanding violence and armed conflict between armed groups and criminal gangs. Crisis-affected people including those in host communities are in need of basic health assistance food and nutrition assistance protection services shelter and water and sanitation. With GAC’s support Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Canada is increasing access to basic health care and mental health care in the department of Valle del Cauca in Colombia. Project activities include: (1) providing comprehensive medical care to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV); (2) providing mental health care for survivors of violence; (3) providing training to health workers on mental health psychological first aid and SGBV; and (4) increasing awareness on mental health and prevention treatment and response to SGBV issues within vulnerable communities and relevant organizations/institutions.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to medical care and mental health care for survivors of violence vulnerable and at-risk individuals as well as survivors of SGBV; (2) improved health and psychological services; and (3) increased awareness of mental health and SGBV issues. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.