Ongoing Health Crisis Migration: And still they come – month after month, week after week, every day Venezuelans cross the border (more than 7 million since 2015) driven by extreme food and medicine shortages, violence and political instability. Nearly 2.9 million Venezuelans have migrated to Colombia – many seeking better health care and economic opportunities. Health Care: Pharmacies and hospitals in Venezuela have severe shortages of medicine and supplies and inadequate staffing as medical professionals leave the country. Even in locations where medical services are available in Venezuela, falling wages and hyperinflation have put medical care out of reach for many families. The collapse of the health care system has exacerbated health conditions for the migrant population with many going months without care. The COVID-19 global pandemic added another challenge for access to health care as border crossings were restricted. In Colombia, Venezuelans are entitled to receive emergency health care services from the Colombian public health care system, however, public or private non-emergency health services are often unaffordable and unattainable for most. Response: Americares operates health centers and mobile clinics in 10 locations across Colombia to meet the increasing demand for primary care services and access to medicines for families fleeing the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, migrants arriving from other countries and host communities, some who may have chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Americares health services are especially vital for the migrants passing through Colombia known as “caminantes” or “walkers,” who make the treacherous journey on foot. Watch the video of migrants coming to Colombia talking about their journey and hope towards a better future. “To be a ‘caminante’ (walker) is to have will, to have strength, and always telling yourself, ‘I can.’….”
Health Care at the Border Updated December 2023 Americares initially began operating four medical clinics in Colombia then opened six more in response to the ever-growing humanitarian emergency in Venezuela. Operated in coordination with the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and initially made possible with the generous support of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), Americares health centers and mobile clinics in Colombia are now fully funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM). Americares health centers and mobile clinics will be funded by PRM through September 2024. Americares provides primary care services in 10 cities throughout Colombia including Arauca, Cali, Cúcuta, Ipiales, Maicao, Medellín, Puerto Carreño, Santa Marta, Soacha and Soledad. In Arauca, Cali, Cúcuta, Medellín, Puerto Carreño and Soacha, Americares operates health centers and also provides mobile outreach services in neighboring communities, as needed. In Ipiales, Maicao, Santa Marta and Soledad, Americares provides health services exclusively through mobile clinics. Americares has hired and trained community health workers in seven departments, with logistical support from local community leaders, to promote educational messages for self-care in community settings and to connect people in remote areas with Americares’ clinical services. To date, Americares community health workers in Colombia have carried out more than 5,790 educational activities in all seven clinics and have seen more than 81,300 attendees. The Americares health centers and mobile clinics provide quality primary care, including medical exams, mental health services, medication and health education workshops at no cost for Venezuelan families, migrants arriving from other countries and host communities. By providing primary care, the Americares clinics in Colombia are helping to alleviate the strain placed on the Colombian health system due to the influx of migrants. Click on the arrow to see how the mobile health clinics are reaching indigenous populations that do not have easy access to the regular clinics. Thousands of Venezuelan migrants continue to cross the border into Colombia in search of quality health care, education and economic opportunities. Prenatal services are one of the major reasons migrants seek care at the clinics in Colombia. To date, Americares has conducted more than 1 million patient consultations in Colombia. Información en español
Fighting the Pandemic with Proven Tools It is the same in Colombia as it has been in Connecticut; the same rules have applied. Get vaccinated, wear a mask, wash your hands and keep social distancing when possible. The science is clear. These steps help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. Watch the video of a health worker teaching a young boy how to properly his wash hands.