Key facts
- Venezuela's healthcare system is under significant strain following twin earthquakes.
- At least three health centers are critically damaged, and six others are partially functional.
- Operational health facilities are experiencing overcrowding and growing surgical backlogs.
- A critical gap in obstetric care exists due to missing maternity care specialists.
- Displaced populations are at risk of disease outbreaks like yellow fever and dengue.
Venezuela's healthcare system is facing immense pressure after two powerful earthquakes last week, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, resulted in over 1,700 deaths and 5,000 injuries, flattening hundreds of buildings.
WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier stated that at least three health centers are critically damaged, with six others being only partially functional. The remaining 21 surveyed facilities are operational but under significant strain, characterized by chaotic service delivery, patient flow, overcrowding, and growing surgical backlogs.
A critical gap in obstetric care has emerged as several healthcare workers specialized in maternity care in La Guaira remain missing. Furthermore, the thousands displaced by the earthquakes are at risk of disease outbreaks, including yellow fever and dengue, particularly given the relatively low vaccination coverage in the affected areas.