The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) serves as the regional office of the World Health Organization for the Americas and as the specialized international health agency for the region. With 35 member states, PAHO works in disease prevention, responds to natural disasters and strives to achieve health care for all regardless of economic status. The organization values equity, excellence, solidarity, respect, integrity and aims to improve the quality of life for people in the Americas. Founded in December 1902 following the spread of disease at the end of the 19th century, PAHO has eradicated smallpox and polio in the Americas, reduced infant and child mortality and increased life expectancy by 35 years in the region. Through continuous innovation, improved accessibility and technical cooperation, PAHO has spent more than 120 years advancing health and well-being in the Americas.

Earthquake Impacts

On June 24, 2026, northern Venezuela experienced two back-to-back earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, respectively. The second quake was Venezuela’s most powerful in more than a century. The disaster most affected those living in poverty in the Caracas and La Guaira areas due to the existing financial crisis in the country. La Guaira, in particular, is home to the largest population of Venezuelans of African descent, who have long been among the most marginalized socioeconomic groups in the country. An estimated 712,223 people were exposed to the highest seismic intensity. This earthquake also strained the healthcare system, prompting acting President Delcy Rodríguez to declare a state of emergency in late June. Venezuela has struggled with economic inequality since the early 2000s, with more than 7.6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and more than 50% of the population living in poverty as of 2022.

PAHO in Venezuela

Since the earthquake, more than 16,000 people have been injured, with three hospitals reporting structural damage as access to health services has faltered and approximately 17,300 people have lost their homes, according to PAHO’s public health situation analysis. In response, PAHO collaborated with the Ministry of People’s Power for Health to mobilize medical supplies, including emergency medical kits and medication for diseases; as of late August 2026, PAHO had delivered a cumulative 40 metric tons of medicines, medical supplies, and essential equipment to Venezuela. The organization shipped many of these supplies from its strategic reserve in Panama, where it keeps essential health items stocked for emergencies across the region.

As a highly impacted area, distribution focused on La Guaira with hospitals prioritized based on needs stemming from the emergency. As a main center for trauma and neurosurgery, Hospital Dr. Miguel Pérez Carreño was one of the hospitals prioritized by PAHO to treat patients with complex injuries. PAHO provided materials for trauma surgery, sterilization, anesthesia and more, helping the hospital manage increased demand due to the earthquake.

For many in La Guaira, displacement remains a significant health threat, with more than 10,000 people in temporary camps as of July. In response, PAHO has supported technological development to strengthen epidemiological data collection and analysis to address the ongoing need for disease prevention and treatment, mental health care, and other everyday health needs beyond initial injury care.

PAHO Impact

The work of PAHO work in Venezuela has been critical for addressing the ongoing health crisis and meeting its priorities to expand essential health services, improve water and sanitation, and prevent disease outbreaks. The organization has launched an appeal for nearly $24 million to support health interventions through the end of the year for the most vulnerable populations, such as those in La Guaira. As hospitals operate beyond capacity and shortages continue, PAHO’s efforts are crucial for preventing displaced populations and those in poverty from facing severe impacts due to future emergencies and ongoing health challenges.

– Niamh Werner

Niamh is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr