Already struggling and marginalized indigenous communities in northern Colombia have been dependant on our humanitarian aid for the last several years. With the dramatic inundation of people fleeing from Venezuela across the border, unstable host communities are at capacity and are unable to help the refugees, migrants, and returnees. More people are suffering.

This is why Malteser International Americas has scaled up our provide humanitarian assistance for 12,000 vulnerable people caught up in the Venezuelan crisis. With the support of our local partners in the region, including Malteser Colombia, ABIUDEA, and local health organizations, we are providing additional primary health care, food, medicine, and hygiene items in La Guajira. This builds on the thousands of refugees already receiving medical treatment. Recognizing the trauma accompanying such a crisis, psychologists are providing psychosocial support, specifically to children and women affected by post-traumatic stress, and in some cases, sexual violence.

It is estimated that over a million people have fled neighboring Venezuela into Colombia last year, due inhumane living conditions.