Key facts
- Portugal sent 8.7 tonnes of medicines to Venezuela.
- The medicines are intended to support communities affected by the June 24 earthquakes.
- The flight marks the resumption of direct air links between Portugal and Venezuela.
- The cargo was donated by pharmaceutical companies.
- The earthquakes caused 4,490 deaths and over 16,000 injuries in Venezuela.
Portugal has dispatched 8.7 tonnes of medicines to Venezuela to aid those affected by the earthquakes that struck on June 24. The flight, which departed from Lisbon, also signifies the resumption of direct air links between the two countries, which had been suspended following the seismic events.
The cargo, donated by pharmaceutical companies including Grupo Tecnimede, BIAL, FAES Farma, Menarini, and Bluepharma, is destined for Venezuela's Ministry of Health. The flight's departure was attended by the Secretary of State for Health Management, Francisco Pinheiro Catalão, along with representatives from the Ministry of Health and airport companies.
TAP airline will initially operate flights to Arturo Michelena Airport in Valencia, with plans to gradually resume services to other destinations, including the capital, Caracas, as the country recovers.
Last week, Portugal had already sent humanitarian aid, including hygiene items and two ambulances, to Venezuela via two Air Force flights. The earthquakes, described as the largest seismic event in Venezuela this century, have resulted in 4,490 deaths, over 16,000 injuries, and more than 1,200 aftershocks. The country's fragile public health situation is further strained by damaged hospitals and falling vaccination rates, according to the WHO.