Galloping inflation has reached 2,735 percent. The Venezuelan economy is crippled. Its citizens are spiraling deeper into hunger. Salaries that once covered a household’s needs now scarcely cover a kilo of pasta. In the midst of this crisis, Caritas Venezuela has stepped forward to provide medical, nutritional and spiritual care to those in need.
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- Across Venezuela, Caritas is setting up a network of nutrition monitoring centers to serve as a safety net for children suffering from undernutrition. In January 68 percent of the children under 5 examined by Caritas Venezuela showed signs of a nutritional deficit with 17 percent of them presenting with acute malnutrition. David Contreras for Caritas Venezuela
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- Galloping inflation that reached 2,735 percent has left the Venezuelan economy crippled and its citizens spiraling deeper and deeper into hunger. Salaries that once covered a household’s needs now scarcely cover a kilo of pasta. In the midst of this crisis, Caritas Venezuela has stepped forward to provide medical, nutritional, and spiritual care to those in need. Across Venezuela, Caritas is setting up a network of nutrition monitoring centers to serve as a safety net for children suffering from undernutrition. In January 68 percent of the children under 5 examined by Caritas Venezuela showed signs of a nutritional deficit with 17 percent of them presenting with acute malnutrition. So far 32 parishes are operating such centers with an additional 23 in the process of coming online soon. Children receive a meal, and the most severe cases are enrolled in a six-week program where they get the nutritional support they need to regain their health. David Contreras for Caritas Venezuela
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- A can of formula costs three times her weekly salary. Her children were precariously undernourished when she arrived to Caritas for help. Unfortunately, it was too late for her son, but her daughter is now thriving. Caritas provides nutritional support for both mom and baby. ÒWhen I see how sheÕs grown, how big she is, I give thanks to God for putting Caritas in our path,Ó Surilma says. Photo: Leslie Pedraez for Caritas Venezuela
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- Health campaigns staffed by 400 medical volunteers provided much needed relief. The economic crisis severely compromised the national health system. Diseases once thought eradicated such as tuberculosis and diphtheria are making a comeback. Those living with life-threatening illnesses often have difficulty finding the medicines they need. Caritas Venezuela has set up 20 banks of medical supplies and routinely holds health days to slow the spread of disease. Photo: Caritas Venezuela
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- Auxiliar Bishop for Caracas, Father Tulio Ramirez provides comfort at the Basilica of Santa Capilla in Caracas. The Church serves the dual role of nourishing both body and spirit. “We don’t only lend a hand, we listen to people,” says Caritas Venezuela director Janeth Marquéz. “Through listening, offering prayer, and our faith we awaken hope. These values are important. They allow people, despite their situation, to want to help, to want to live, to want to work together for Venezuela.” Photo: David Contreras for Caritas Venezuela
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- In the past year alone the number of volunteers in Venezuela has more than doubled from 10,000 to a legion of 20,000. The people tithing their time now work on everything from preparing soup kitchen meals, preparing donated clothes, to providing medical and nutritional support.
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- A benefit of working through the Church is that Caritas staff members have long-standing ties with the communities they serve. This familiarity helps Caritas identify where help is most needed and mobilize efforts to provide support. Photo: Caritas Venezuela
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- Ollas comunitarias (soup kitchens) now operating in 400 parishes have served more than 1.25 million meals in a year. Hunger is widespread throughout the country. In the past year alone three out of four Venezuelans lost an average of 9 kilos (19 pounds). Caritas Venezuela
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- In a country where coping strategies such as eating only one meal a day and relying on a diet composed mainly of cassava root are common, the Caritas soup kitchens deliver both needed nutrition and companionship. Isabel Herrera for Caritas Venezuela
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- Caritas Venezuela has reached more than 4.5 million beneficiaries. With support from Caritas organizations from across the globe, Caritas Venezuela seeks to expand its ministry of hope and reach even more with needed medical and nutritional support in the months to come. David Contreras for Caritas Venezuela