Update from Venezuela: Fòs Feminista’s Partners Expand Care to 36 Shelters

As Venezuela reels from earthquakes that have killed thousands and displaced tens of thousands, Fòs Feminista is mobilizing to meet the moment — expanding emergency sexual and reproductive health care from 6 to 36 shelters across the hardest-hit communities. Clinics remain open for essential care, while emergency health teams reach displaced families in a growing number of shelters. In addition to contraception, maternal health care, and services for survivors of gender-based violence, teams are delivering primary health care, mental health support, medical evaluations, laboratory services, and other urgent care for people affected by the disaster. 

The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela continues to deepen. At the time of writing, official estimates reported nearly 4,500 people killed, 16,800 injured, and at least 18,000 displaced, with as many as 1.3 million people expected to need humanitarian assistance over the next six months. With tens of thousands of people still missing, these figures are likely to rise in the weeks ahead. 

With the public health system severely overstretched, Fòs Feminista’s partners continue to provide essential care under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. All seven clinics remain fully operational, providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including uninterrupted access to contraceptive methods, youth-friendly services for adolescents and young people, gynecological and obstetric care, maternal health and ante- and post-natal care, including for high-risk pregnancies, and the prevention and clinical management of gender-based violence and rape, which often surge during emergencies. 

“With the tragedy we lived through, I had to flee to Guatire, bleeding heavily and in terrible pain. A friend helped me reach our partners, who called me right away and saw me that same day — I truly have no words to thank them.” 

— A displaced mother from Caraballeda, La Guaira 

What began as an emergency response in six shelters is now rapidly expanding. Our partners are currently providing medical, psychosocial, and contraceptive services in shelters serving displaced populations and have been authorized to scale their response to an additional 30 shelters, bringing the total planned response to 36 sites. In addition to sexual and reproductive health care, teams are conducting medical evaluations — including electrocardiograms to assess individuals with suspected heart attacks — and expanding primary health services such as internal medicine consultations, ultrasounds, and laboratory tests to address other urgent health needs identified in shelters and affected communities. 

As the humanitarian emergency evolves, demand for sexual and reproductive health care, mental health services, and primary health care is expected to increase significantly. Fòs Feminista has launched a funding appeal to raise $1 million to support its partners’ emergency response efforts. Already, donors around the world have answered the call — an early groundswell of support that is putting care into the hands of displaced families today. Yet with needs deepening by the day, sustained generosity is essential to reach the full goal. Funding will help strengthen the capacity of seven operating clinics, rapidly expand emergency health services for displaced populations, and ensure uninterrupted access to essential supplies, including contraceptives and menstrual dignity kits.  

Support Fòs Feminista’s emergency response in Venezuela. Donate today to help sustain lifesaving care, expand services for displaced communities, and secure essential sexual and reproductive health supplies for the months ahead.