What Happened
On June 24, 2026, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing and injuring thousands of people, with many still unaccounted for. Buildings collapsed, and families lost everything. Rescue operations are still underway. And many are living in vehicles, parks, and improvised settlements with no access to healthcare, clean water, or shelter.
What We’re Seeing
Our teams on the ground have found that while the emergency response is focused on hospitals, primary healthcare is being critically neglected. Thousands need medical consultations, medications, maternal care, and mental health support.
“Right now, our priority is to support those affected by this emergency, especially those in the most vulnerable situations,” says Elena Cáceres, Doctors of the World’s coordinator in Venezuela.
Why Doctors of the World
Doctors of the World has been present in Venezuela since 2019. In 2024 alone, our teams reached over 1.1 million people through 31 health centers across the country. Our staff members are working around the clock to assess needs and coordinate the emergency response. Our actions in the coming days and weeks will focus on the following objectives:
- Supporting primary care centers that can continue functioning or quickly resume operations
- Providing medical and nursing consultations for affected communities
- Dispensing essential medications and treating minor trauma
- Delivering mental health care and psychosocial support
- Providing sexual and reproductive health services, especially for pregnant women and girls
- Ensuring access to safe water and basic services
- Coordinating with the Ministry of Health and other humanitarian actors on the ground