Two weeks after a series of devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says the health response is shifting from emergency intervention to stabilization and early recovery — though urgent needs remain. According to Antigua Observer, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa made the announcement during a press briefing, warning that affected communities cannot afford a reduction in support.
"Two weeks later, our message is clear: the emergency response continues, and the needs of affected communities remain urgent," Dr. Barbosa said.
Venezuelan authorities report that the earthquakes caused 3,811 deaths and 16,740 injuries as of July 8. More than 6,400 people were rescued alive in the aftermath of the disaster.
Since the earthquakes 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, drawing on its longstanding presence in the country.
"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.
To strengthen health services in the hardest-hit areas, PAHO has supported the deployment of Emergency Medical Teams and emergency specialists. Twelve teams are currently operational, expanding access to emergency care, surgery, primary health care and mental health services. The organization has also delivered six metric tons of emergency medical supplies from its Emergency Strategic Reserve in Panama and has facilitated vaccination efforts to protect displaced populations.
Despite these efforts, significant challenges persist. Hospitals continue to function under strain, facing structural damage, limited surgical and diagnostic capacity, and growing surgical backlogs. More than 17,000 people remain displaced, most sheltering across 87 transitional camps, where access to clean water, sanitation, vaccination and disease surveillance is critical to preventing further illness.
"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.
PAHO identified the main public health concerns in the coming weeks as likely stemming from interruptions to health services, overcrowded living conditions, gaps in water and sanitation, and reduced access to routine care. The organization stressed the importance of maintaining immunization programs and continuity of care for people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, older adults, children, people with disabilities and those requiring rehabilitation.
Mental health has also emerged as an urgent priority. "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. Supporting their mental well-being is as important as treating physical injuries," Dr. Barbosa said.
Dr. Barbosa paid tribute to Venezuela's health workers, many of whom have continued caring for patients while coping with their own 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.
PAHO is also supporting the safe and dignified management of the deceased, describing it as an important component of the humanitarian response. The organization noted, however, that the greatest public health risks following an earthquake are typically tied to disruptions in health services, safe water, sanitation, hygiene and vaccination — not to the deceased themselves.
Looking ahead, PAHO stressed that recovery must go beyond restoring pre-earthquake 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 the ongoing response, 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, strengthen epidemiological surveillance, expand mental and psychosocial health support, assist with rehabilitation and help restore damaged health facilities.
"The international community helped save lives in the first days after the earthquakes. That solidarity must continue," Dr. Barbosa said. "No single institution can respond to an emergency of this scale alone. PAHO remains fully committed to supporting Venezuelan authorities and partners throughout emergency response and recovery."
