One month after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, thousands of women and girls still face significant difficulties in obtaining essential healthcare and protection services, according to Paula Narvaez, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the UN reproductive and sexual health agency UNFPA.

Speaking from Chile, Narvaez reported that the earthquakes resulted in over 5,000 deaths and displaced more than 23,000 people. She emphasized that "statistics alone cannot capture the human toll and true scale of this tragedy."

During her visit to some of the hardest-hit areas, including La Guaira, Narvaez met families who lost everything but remain determined to rebuild their lives. She observed that women consistently organize safe spaces for their families and care for others, while frontline responders work tirelessly despite being personally affected.

Healthcare services have been severely impacted by damage to facilities, shortages of medicines and equipment, lack of staff, and disruptions to basic services. This has particularly hindered reproductive health services and emergency obstetric care. Narvaez noted, "The earthquakes exposed and heightened pre-existing inequalities when it comes to access to healthcare and safety."

She added, "We know that women do not stop giving birth during an emergency, yet vulnerable women and adolescent girls are more likely to be cut off from the life-saving services they need."

In response, UNFPA has distributed reproductive health kits and provided medical equipment and supplies to 16 health facilities. Narvaez called for sustained international solidarity and support to match the courage of those affected.

Sources