Colombia

Given the increased number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colombia, we are working closely with healthcare authorities in the municipalities where we have ongoing project activities. 

To that end, we are currently participating in outpatient triage in Tibú hospital and training medical personnel in the use of protective materials. We have installed handwashing stations at hospital entrances, and we are also providing advice on setting up patient zones in hospitals to process and refer people for treatment for COVID-19, and evaluating the needs of hospitals that will likely receive COVID-19 patients. 

Meanwhile we continue to monitor patients with chronic diseases, and we are continuing our mental health and sexual and reproductive health activities with Venezuelan and Colombian communities that do not have access to healthcare.

Lastly, we are focusing a large part of our efforts on health promotion and prevention activities in towns and neighborhoods through different community outreach strategies and in the media.

Despite the government and FARC rebels signing a historic peace accord in 2016, violence involving armed groups and drug cartels is still rife, and civilians continue to be caught up in the cycle of violence as criminal organisations fight for control of territory.

Significant parts of Colombian territory are still disputed by criminal organisations, former FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) combatants who have refused to demobilise, and ELN (National Liberation Army) guerrillas. 

Helping people cope with extreme violence, loss and displacement 

MSF provides psychological support to family members of victims of forced disappearance, offering mental health consultations and groups sessions for those affected. 

Psychological support has been extended to people in urban communities in areas of Tumaco and Buenaventura who have experienced violence, related to both crime and armed groups.

Teams have also provided comprehensive medical aid to victims of sexual violence, and supported women seeking to terminate pregnancies. Despite liberal legislation in this regard, barriers still exist for women seeking access to safe medical assistance. 

Find out more about Colombia