Venezuela deploys medical teams to combat onchocerciasis in Amazonas

Venezuela's Ministry of Health has deployed medical teams to 14 indigenous communities in Amazonas state to eradicate onchocerciasis. Working alongside the Amazonian Research Center (SA-CAICET), the initiative aims to strengthen the healthcare networks of the Yanomami and Ye´kwana ethnic groups.

The strategy involves the immediate distribution of essential drugs to community health networks combined with continuous medical evaluations. To ensure rapid response, the plan includes aerial bridges from the La Esmeralda base to the main airport in Puerto Ayacucho for emergencies or specialized cases.

The deployment is expected to reach 944 people. Onchocerciasis is a chronic parasitic infection transmitted by black flies that can cause severe skin conditions and visual impairments, potentially leading to blindness. While primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa and Yemen, the World Health Organization notes endemic pockets exist in parts of Latin America.