Venezuela Boosts Disease Diagnostic Capacity After June Earthquakes with WHO Support

The Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization delivered molecular diagnostic reagents to Venezuela to strengthen the national laboratory network after the June 24 earthquakes. The donation includes 16 types of reagents for 14 priority diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, COVID‑19, influenza, hantavirus and others, and daily sample transport to the National Institute of Hygiene laboratory continues.

Health experts note that Venezuela entered the disaster with low immunisation coverage. In 2025, coverage for 14 vaccines fell below 60%, far short of the 95% target recommended by the WHO, raising the risk of vaccine‑preventable disease outbreaks in displaced populations. The Venezuelan Society of Pediatrics has called for an inventory of available vaccines, but the government has not yet responded.