Colombia - Emergency Health Intervention - Doctors Without Borders Canada 2017

March 2017 – In late 2016 a peace agreement was signed between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) ending over fifty years of conflict which had a significant impact on the country and displaced an estimated 7.5 million people. Nonetheless populations continue to suffer the consequences of conflict and other acts of violence by other armed groups such as displacement sexual violence and restricted access to basic services. In 2016 over 2.5 million people were affected by mobility restrictions and constraints to access assistance and basic services. Close to 4.9 million people remain in need of humanitarian assistance as a result of violence conflict and natural disasters. Main humanitarian needs include access to safe water adequate sanitation and hygiene systems health care services in rural areas as well as protection services. With GAC’s support Doctors Without Borders Canada is increasing access to basic health care and mental health care in the departments of Nariño and Valle del Cauca. Project activities include: (1) providing comprehensive medical care to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV); (2) providing mental health care for victims of violence and those suffering from severe mental illness; (3) training health workers and community leaders on psychological first aid and SGBV; and (4) increasing awareness on mental health and SGBV within vulnerable communities and relevant organizations/institutions.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved access to medical care and mental health care for victims of violence and at-risk individuals; (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.