AMSA Journal of Global Health
Abstract Aims: Years of political mismanagement and economic decline in Venezuela has escalated to a complex humanitarian crisis, with disastrous consequences on health. This literature review provides a summary of the health impacts of this crisis and responses from international health organisations. Methods: A search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar using the terms “Venezuela” AND “health” AND “crisis”. A grey literature search was also performed. Articles were assessed on their relevance to the review question regarding health outcomes in Venezuela and/or neighbouring countries. Results:The collapse of the Venezuelan health system has had multiple severe consequences. Problems exist with water supply and food security, and rates of malnutrition and infant mortality have risen. Infant mortality, which was decreasing up until 2009, has risen back to levels comparable to the 1990s. Vaccine-preventable and vector-borne diseases have both increased. National shortages in medicines such as antiretrovirals have left many without treatment. Mass migration and poorer health status has caused strain on health systems of neighbouring countries. International responses have been obstructed by political disagreements and the blockade of humanitarian aid.
VENEZUELA’S PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS
Conclusions: The collapse of the Venezuelan health system has caused a humanitarian crisis. The international community, including the United Nations, needs to continue to pressure Venezuela to allow aid organisations to enter the country. Multi-national coordination, with support from the World Health Organisation, is needed to address complex flow-on effects of the health crisis on neighbouring countries.
National and regional implications Caroline Lee
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