Marked by political repression, hyperinflation, food and medicine shortages, the crisis in Venezuela continues, unabated after five years of conflict. Once the richest country in the region, Venezuela is now teetering on total collapse.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis is the largest ever seen in Latin America and, after the Syrian crisis, is the largest in the world. It is estimated that 15% of the population has already left and another one million, or more, are expected to leave in 2020.
The majority of Venezuelans begin their exodus into Colombia, where MedGlobal’s clinic has been operating in Cucuta, Norte Santander since April 2019. This area is ground zero for the Venezuelan exodus.
We have established the major first encounter primary care clinic for refugees in the region. We also serve itinerant populations of caminantes (walkers) and recent arrivals at various comedors (soup kitchens).
Our clinic is looking for primary care volunteers, including specialists in family practice, pediatrics, internists, and gynecologists, to begin in February 2020. One week is the minimum stay, however, longer is preferred. Although fluency in the Spanish language is a benefit, it is not necessary.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@medglobal.org. If you have any questions about the deployment you can contact Dr. John Kahler at kahler@medglobal.org.