Venezuela Crisis - Emergency Response - 2021

March 2021 - The ongoing economic crisis in Venezuela has resulted in severe food and fuel shortages record hyperinflation and the collapse of the healthcare system. Essential items such as food and medicine are out of reach for over 7 million people. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic the situation has further declined due to border closures weakened economic activity and increasing demands on the health system already struggling. As the situation continues to deteriorate in Venezuela vulnerable and crisis-affected populations require critical live-saving assistance including primary healthcare water sanitation services hygiene kits as well as food and nutrition assistance. With GAC's support this project helps address the essential protection and nutrition needs of up to 43 500 crisis-affected children adolescents and pregnant women in the region. Project activities include: (1) providing nutritional assistance and nutrition counselling session to crisis-affected people and healthcare providers; (2) providing training on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse to local organizations and communities; and (3) facilitating peer group counselling sessions to mitigate and respond to child and gender-based violence protection risks.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved nutritional care for vulnerable people; and (2) improved protective environment for children adolescents and women. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises and acute food insecurity.