South America
Colombia: Medical Care for Venezuelan Refugees at UN Centers
Why MI Americas is here:
In the UNHCR refugee centers in Maicao and Riohacha, Colombia, Malteser International Americas’ trained professionals provide medical care for refugees. With the worsening humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, many of its residents have been forced out of their homes as refugees or have embarked on uncertain and often perilous journeys in the hopes of a better life. The UNHCR centers give them a temporary respite from the challenges along the way, offering safe shelter, medical care, and nutrition. Afterwards, refugees and migrants continue on their difficult journeys.
How We Help:
At the Maicao UNHCR center, MI Americas has provided (2019):
- 3,500 medical consultations
- 1,100 follow-up consultations
- 260 individuals received mental health care
- Children receive vaccinations against the flu, measles, rubella and mumps
- Thanks to the Covid-19 safety measures we have implemented, we have had 0 suspected cases of Covid-19 in the camps.
The situation in Venezuela has produced:
- 1.8 million refugees and migrants fleeing to Colombia
- 65% increase in infant mortality rate since 2015
- Hyper-inflation, violence, instability
With these thirty days of respite, the refugees leave the camps “with stability, in better health conditions, with a new way of looking at life”. – MI Americas