Venezuela Crisis - Improving Access to Health Services in Colombia - Doctors of the World 2020

March 2020 - Over 4.8 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 of the World is helping to improve the health of over 40 000 people affected by the Venezuelan crisis in the departments of Nariño and Cundinamarca in Colombia. Project activities include: (1) providing sexual and reproductive health services to approximately 2 000 vulnerable women and adolescent girls; (2) providing medical mental health and psychosocial counselling to more than 3 000 people affected by the crisis; (3) providing training to health personnel on managing health care for the migrant population; and (4) providing training to community organizations on the right to health gender equality xenophobia violence prevention and sexual exploitation.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) equitable access to primary sexual and reproductive health services and psychosocial support; and (2) increased capacity of partner associations and organizations. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.