Social Well-Being

The political, economic, financial and social crisis has increased the volatility of the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, contributing to rampant and massive shortages of food, medicines, and basic commodities. The level of food insecurity and deterioration of public health has increased malnutrition, contagious diseases, and other illnesses; such as diabetes. The private sector, including the agriculture and healthcare industry, has been suffocated with expropriations, strict currency and price controls, import limitations, negatively impacting the country’s health system. While armed national guardsmen ration food and engage in rampant corruption, Venezuelans lost an average of 19 pounds in 2016.

Venezuela is in the midst of a severe humanitarian crisis that threatens further misery and mortality increases, including infant, child and maternal mortality.

The next administration, whenever it arrives, will require sustained and coordinated humanitarian aid from the international community. The framework below highlights the basic human needs, in particular, the provision of emergency relief, restoration of essential health services, water, sanitation, and urgent measures to control and prevent epidemics. As the situation stabilizes, attention should shift from humanitarian relief to long-term social development and fostering sustainability.