Venezuelan Migration and the Border Health Crisis in Colombia and Brazil

• DOI: 10.1177/2331502419860138
• Publication Date: 2019-08-12T17:50:07Z
• Authors: Shannon Doocy; Kathleen R. Page; Fernando de la Hoz; Paul Spiegel; Chris Beyrer
• Keywords: Humanitarian Crisis

Executive Summary Venezuela’s economic crisis has triggered mass migration; more than 3.4 million Venezuelans have fled to other countries in the region and beyond. An assessment mission Cúcuta, Colombian border state of North Santander, was undertaken from July 26 August 1, 2018, Bôa Vista Pacaraima, Roraima, Brazil, between 24 28, 2018. Interviews were conducted with key informants, including health providers organizations engaged humanitarian response. Secondary analysis gray literature data shared by informants also undertaken. Surveillance demonstrate increases infectious diseases, as well adverse maternal neonatal outcomes, among Santander Roraima. Findings for Reportable public surveillance events increased 182 2015 865 first half In most common reported included gender-based intrafamiliar violence (17 percent), malaria (15 acute malnutrition children <5 years (9 percent). There 14 measles cases January June 2018 (compared none previous years), majority associated migration Venezuela. Thirty-six morbidity two mortality observed three no deaths 2015). Low-birth-weight Venezuelan births rose 34 2017. Between 2017 emergency medical attention provided 19,108 government facilities. Roraima there 355 years) — all had genotype lineage originating outbreak. Children younger one year old (812.1/100,000) highest incident rate followed 1–4 (245.7/100,000). Malaria 3.5-fold (1,260 vs. 4,402 cases). As 171 HIV-infected receiving HIV care at Coronel Motta Clinic Vista, 1,603 women gave birth Hospital Materno-Infantil mid-2018, 10,040 received outpatient 666 been hospitalized General Colombia, primary healthcare is not available Venezuelans, provision perceived unsustainable given current funding mechanisms. but system under severe strain meet demand facing unprecedented shortages medications supplies. an urgent need expand response Colombia both ensure protect areas.