Attachments
Appeal highlights
-
The lives of children in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela continue to be buffeted by the impact of the country's persistent economic crisis, a structural and situational crisis that has had a deep impact on society and especially on its most vulnerable people: children, those with disabilities and indigenous communities. Purchasing power is low, affecting access to health care, to food, to just about every service a child might need. Access to safe water and sanitation remains irregular and challenging. Immunization coverage is low, and the number of infants born with low birth weight has grown. Children and adolescents are at risk of violence. And an estimated 900,000 children are out of school.
-
In 2024, UNICEF will increase the integration and quality of its programming for the most affected populations in the country's most vulnerable regions, building on the geographic reach offered by its field offices. A key goal is addressing underlying risks and reducing humanitarian needs by enhancing access to critical services. This will be done through an integrated package of health, nutrition, education, child protection and WASH services.
-
UNICEF requires $147 million to provide life-saving services for 3.1 million people, including 1.7 million children. Without it, UNICEF will be unable to provide life-saving services for children, protect their rights, and maintain their human dignity.
HUMANITARIAN SITUATION AND NEEDS
Despite moderate signs of economic recovery, structural problems and a protracted crisis persist in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Chronic inflation undercuts households’ purchasing power, and the impact of all these factors on children's lives is mounting.
The price of the basic food basket has increased steadily, reaching 112 minimum monthly salaries in June 2023. The difficulties this presents can be found in urban, peri-urban and rural settings; and children, pregnant or lactating women, adolescents and the indigenous population often feel it most acutely.
Economy and income challenges have eroded the country's health infrastructure and essential services. Early pregnancies, irregular antenatal care, infectious diseases and childbirth complications threaten the survival of newborns and mothers, particularly among indigenous populations. The coverage of bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine is still 68 per cent, and that of the third dose of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccine is 56 per cent.
Only 9 per cent of households are food secure, while 22 per cent are experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity. Around 18 per cent of the population is undernourished as a result of poor access to an affordable, safe and diversified diet.11 Additionally, 24.2 per cent of women aged 15–19 years are affected by anaemia,12 and 9.5 per cent of infants are born with low birth weight.
The prevelance of stunting in children is 10.5 per cent.
With reduced learning schedules and disruptions, school infrastructure – including critical WASH facilities and services – remains a challenge. An estimated 900,000 children are out of school, and at least 1.3 million are at risk of dropping out, and 270,000 are in conditions of vulnerability.
Accelerating the response to the cumulative effects of the learning crisis and leveraging educational quality is paramount.
Children and adolescents are also at risk of violence, exploitation and abuse, child labour and trafficking. Particularly for girls and women, the threat of gender-based violence is increasing.
Access to safe water and sanitation remains a challenge for most vulnerable communities, with some 4.3 million people in need of safe water. Many households experience irregular access to water and sanitation services and engage in inadequate hygiene practices. The availability of water in health, education and protection facilities is at a critical state.
The country is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, and disasters associated with heavy rains and floods threaten to aggravate the situation further.