Venezuela has been in the midst of a protracted humanitarian and socioeconomic crisis for years. Despite some signs of economic stabilization, the supply situation remains dire for large segments of the population. According to estimates by international organizations, poverty remains widespread, while access to basic services such as electricity, clean water, and health care is limited and unevenly distributed in many areas.

The public health care system has been particularly hard hit. It has long been under considerable pressure—due, among other things, to shortages of medical supplies, the exodus of skilled personnel, and inadequate infrastructure. The supply of medications and medical supplies is not reliably guaranteed, and at the same time, high costs pose an additional barrier to access to medical treatment for many people.

In practice, this structural shortage means that medical services are often only available to a limited extent, and in many cases families must take it upon themselves to obtain necessary medications or supplies. Preventive care and the treatment of chronic conditions are only possible to a limited extent.

The severe earthquakes of the past few days have drastically exacerbated this already fragile situation. Hospitals are further overwhelmed by the high number of injured, while at the same time infrastructure has been damaged and supply routes are restricted. What was already a structural problem is thus developing into an acute supply crisis in the affected regions.

We are responding by providing targeted support to hospitals to stabilize medical care for the injured in the short term and to fill the most significant gaps in care.

LasComaesAndantes

LasComaesAndantes is a feminist community collective based in Caracas that works in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The group focuses in particular on grassroots social work, educational and prevention programmes, and strengthening local community structures. With its low-threshold, strongly community-oriented approach, the collective has good access to particularly vulnerable population groups in the affected neighbourhoods.

Visiones e.V.

The Munich-based association Visiones e. V. is committed to social inclusion, education, empowerment, and intercultural exchange. The organization takes a migrant-centered and diversity-oriented approach and is particularly dedicated to empowering people with migration backgrounds, as well as promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities. Thanks to its long-standing connections to the Venezuelan community, Visiones e. V. has valuable local networks and cultural expertise. As part of its aid efforts for Venezuela, the association supports LandsAid as a key bridge between Germany and Venezuela and helps strengthen contacts, communication, and cooperation with local stakeholders.