The country’s health system is collapsing. Hospitals have closed or are operating at a fraction of their capacity, many without regular access to electricity or water. The public health infrastructure is so weak that in 2019, Venezuela had the world’s steepest rise in malaria cases. Vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and diphtheria have already returned long before the epidemic hit. By Kathleen Page and Tamar Taraciuk Broner. Full text -> Foreign Policy |

In 2019 Venezuela experienced an increase in social tensions, and its economic and social situation deteriorated, giving rise to a shortage of essential goods, health care, and other essential services, which directly affected the most vulnerable. In response, the ICRC expanded its activities to support those most in need, such as those affected by violence, the injured and the sick, detainees and migrants. Full text-> Activity Report 2019

The Venezuelan government rejects claims of a humanitarian crisis within its borders. So it also prohibits the presence of independent international aid organizations, which are unable to work officially on the ground. Local Venezuelan organizations are thus left to provide badly needed help on their own.By Marcia Biggs.Full text-> PBS

As Venezuela enters its seventh year of a crushing depression, doctors are seeing a rise in infant mortality rates due to deprivation.by Tom Phillips and Clavel Rangel. Full text -> The Guardian