Researchers are evaluating the widespread public health concerns in Venezuela following an analysis of current conditions. The Venezuelan economic crisis and the erosion of healthcare-related infrastructure has caused a series of public health consequences.
In 2016, the Venezuelan government stopped reporting their national health data, causing difficulty in assessing the country’s current health state. Declining infrastructure, shortages of medication, and a scarcity of water and health products have caused a vast emigration of health care providers.
The researchers found that infant mortality and maternal mortality more than doubled from 2012 to 2016. Moreover, Venezuela had the largest increase of malaria worldwide, with cases falling just short of half a million. Tuberculosis increased drastically (68%) between 2014 and 2017, and only 10% of HIV patients were receiving proper prescribed antiretroviral medical care. Under these conditions, researchers are calling for the Venezuelan government to facilitate and to accept humanitarian assistance, with the hope to lower mortality rates and increase immunization efforts.
By Maya Yorks