Two weeks after devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has announced that the health response is entering a new phase focused on stabilization, continuity of care and early recovery. According to Antigua News Room, while the initial surge of trauma cases has begun to stabilize, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa stressed that the crisis remains far from over.
"Two weeks later, our message is clear: the emergency response continues, and the needs of affected communities remain urgent," Dr. Barbosa said during a press briefing.
Venezuelan authorities report that the earthquakes caused 3,811 deaths and 16,740 injuries as of July 8. More than 6,400 people have been rescued alive.
Since the disaster struck, PAHO has worked alongside Venezuela's health authorities, United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners to coordinate the health response. The organization has mobilized technical expertise, emergency medical supplies and international support. "Our support has focused on three immediate priorities: saving lives, maintaining essential health services, and preventing additional health risks in the weeks ahead," Dr. Barbosa said.
Twelve Emergency Medical Teams are currently operational across the most affected areas, providing emergency care, surgery, primary health care and mental health services. PAHO has also delivered six metric tons of emergency medical supplies from its Emergency Strategic Reserve in Panama and has facilitated vaccination support to protect displaced populations.
More than 17,000 people remain displaced, most sheltering across 87 transitional camps. Hospitals continue to function despite structural damage, limited surgical and diagnostic capacity, and growing surgical backlogs. PAHO identified the main public health concerns in the coming weeks as likely interruptions to health services, overcrowded living conditions, gaps in water and sanitation, and reduced access to vaccination and routine care.
"The priority now is not only to keep health facilities open, but to ensure safe and timely access to essential health care, including emergency care, trauma services, intensive care, diagnostic imaging, oxygen, essential medicines and other critical services," Dr. Barbosa said.
Mental health has also emerged as an urgent concern. "After a disaster of this magnitude, treating physical injuries is not enough. Thousands of people have experienced loss, displacement, and uncertainty. Health workers are also carrying a heavy burden," Dr. Barbosa said. He paid particular tribute to Venezuela's health workers, many of whom have continued caring for patients while coping with personal losses and displacement.
"To Venezuela's health workers, I want to say thank you. Your professionalism, courage and commitment continue to make a difference in the lives of people affected by this emergency," he said.
Looking ahead, PAHO stressed that recovery must go beyond simply restoring pre-disaster conditions. "Recovery cannot simply mean returning to what existed before. It must be an opportunity to build back stronger, safer, more resilient and better prepared health services for future emergencies," Dr. Barbosa said.
To support ongoing efforts, PAHO has launched a US$24 million emergency appeal to address urgent health needs through the end of the year. The funding will support essential health services, epidemiological surveillance, mental and psychosocial health support, rehabilitation, and the restoration of damaged health facilities.
"The international community helped save lives in the first days after the earthquakes. That solidarity must continue. Timely and flexible funding is critical," Dr. Barbosa said.
