Improving Access to Health Services in Colombia - Doctors of the World 2021

March 2021 – Over 5.4 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015. Although many of these people are living in Colombia others are transiting Colombia on their way to countries like Peru or Ecuador. The refugee and migrant crisis is still causing significant humanitarian needs in Colombia where people also continue to experience the effects of violence and armed conflict that have long affected the area. In addition the pandemic has significantly affected populations with acute humanitarian needs including refugees and migrants. With the support of GAC Doctors of the World is helping to improve the health of over 35 000 people from Venezuela’s migrant groups particularly women youth and LGBTQ2I individuals as well as people from the vulnerable host communities of Bogotá Cali and Ipiales. Project activities include: (1) providing comprehensive pregnancy childbirth and emergency neonatal care in mobile clinics and health centres to Venezuelan migrant women and adolescent girls and to the vulnerable host communities; (2) providing basic medical and psychological services to survivors both women and men of sexual and gender based violence; and (3) providing migrant groups and the host communities with awareness training on how to access the health system training on sexual and reproductive rights and training on preventing sexual and gender based violence.

The expected outcomes for this project include the following: (1) immediate increased and equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services mental health services and primary health care services for Venezuelan migrant groups particularly women adolescent girls and LGBTQ2I+ individuals and for vulnerable host communities in the project’s target areas; and (2) increased use of protection services (including legal support) among Venezuelan migrant groups particularly women adolescent girls and LGBTQ2I+ individuals as well as vulnerable host communities in the project’s target areas. The ultimate expected result is that lives are saved suffering is alleviated and human dignity is preserved in countries that are dealing with acute food insecurity or a humanitarian crisis.