In Venezuela, many hospitals are struggling to function, with insufficient staff, drugs, supplies, medical equipment, and access to basic services such as water. In 2022, MSF teams supported the provision of care in 29 public health facilities in five states – Amazonas, Anzoátegui, Bolívar, Delta Amacuro and Táchira – and the capital, Caracas.  

A large part of our work focused on strengthening hospital and health post infrastructure, specifically electricity supply, waste management, water and sanitation. In addition, we provided medicines and medical supplies, as well as training regarding their appropriate use. 

Our principal objective was to improve general and specialist medical services in areas such as emergency care, COVID-19 triage, sexual and reproductive health, vaccinations, and treatment for victims of sexual violence. Health promotion and mental health support were also important components of our projects. 

In Anzoátegui and Bolívar states, we continued working to reduce the high incidence of malaria, focusing on early diagnosis and treatment, vector control and health promotion. These interventions led to a significant reduction in cases compared to previous years. 

In July 2022, we opened a new project in Delta Amacuro, a difficult-to-access region crossed by many rivers and waterways, with the aim of bringing general healthcare to the remote, mainly indigenous, communities living there.  

Meanwhile, we closed our projects in Caracas and Táchira, after achieving our objectives of designing and implementing triage systems for patients with COVID-19 in health facilities, increasing outpatient consultation capacity and integrating a mental health approach to medical consultations. In Táchira, we also ran community-based health education sessions and reinforced referral systems.