Improving Access to Health Services in Colombia - Doctors of the World 2022

March 2022 - More than 5.3 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015. Many of them reside in Colombia but others are in transit in Colombia to countries such as Ecuador and Peru. The refugee and migrant crisis continues to create significant humanitarian needs in Colombia while also exacerbating the effects of long-standing violence and armed conflict. Populations with acute humanitarian needs including refugees and migrants have also been significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. With support from GAC Doctors of the World is helping to improve the health status of more than 45 000 people in Venezuelan migrant populations particularly women and adolescent girls as well as vulnerable host communities in Bogotá Cali Ipiales and Soacha. Project activities include: (1) providing basic medical and psychological services to survivors amongvulnerable migrant populations; and (2) providing awareness training on access to health systems sexual and reproductive rights and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence among migrant populations and host communities.

The expected outcomes of this project include: 1) improved access to medical services for vulnerable migrant populations to meet their basic needs; and (2) improved access of vulnerable Venezuelan migrants to basic human rights in the area of protection. The ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity preserved in countries facing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.