Venezuela expressed its dismay at the repercussions of US unilateral sanctions on its healthcare system at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva. Mauricio Vega, Venezuela’s Vice Minister of Hospitals, highlighted how these measures have hindered access to medical supplies, medications, and equipment. He emphasized the adverse effects on health personnel availability while advocating for Venezuela’s healthcare model centered on fairness and primary care.
Vega noted a decrease in healthcare professionals in Venezuela due to significant emigration in recent years but mentioned efforts to enhance training programs for new healthcare workers. He also cautioned about the potential resurgence of diseases among the populace due to structural constraints imposed by US sanctions. Despite these obstacles, Venezuela remains committed to policies ensuring universal healthcare access and calls for the complete removal of what it labels as cruel unilateral sanctions.
During the assembly, Venezuela’s delegation, led by Vega, reiterated its stance on the detrimental impact of unilateral sanctions on the nation’s health sector. In a separate event, Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, rejected any notion of her country becoming a US state, reaffirming Venezuela’s sovereignty and autonomy. Rodriguez emphasized Venezuela’s dedication to diplomacy and its pursuit of defending its integrity, sovereignty, and independence, rooted in a history of struggle for freedom.
