We also continued our malaria program in Bolívar state, where we have been working for seven years to reduce the high incidence of the disease, focusing on early diagnosis and treatment, vector control, and health promotion. In addition, we conducted workshops with technical training for national malaria program staff in Sifontes municipality.
In Delta Amacuro, a densely forested, difficult-to-reach region crossed by numerous rivers and waterways, we deployed a multidisciplinary team to increase access to general health care for the mostly indigenous communities living there. These communities suffer from a range of preventable diseases caused by the precarious conditions in which they live and the multiple barriers they face in accessing health care. These include waterborne diseases such as parasitosis and diarrhea, malaria and other diseases spread by insects, respiratory infections, and malnutrition. A lack of pre- and postnatal care also increases the risks for pregnant women and their babies. The team made great efforts to overcome language and access barriers and adapt care to the local culture. Our teams worked to raise awareness on best health practices, proper hygiene, and disease prevention.
In 2023, we closed our project in Amazonas state after working to strengthen health services in several urban and rural areas, including by increasing the capacity to provide outpatient care. During our four years in Amazonas, our teams also ran community-based health education sessions and reinforced preventive health care practices.
