Americans support the aspirations of the Venezuelan people to be free and live healthy, prosperous lives. As the world watches with dismay the collapse of the Venezuelan healthcare system, there is growing concern over public health challenges now being exported to Venezuela’s neighbors through mass migration. The goal of today’s meeting is to understand how we can partner with the Guaidó government to help alleviate the suffering.
As Prepared for Delivery
Thank you, Secretary General, for hosting this important discussion. We are honored to be joined by Panamanian Minister of Health Miguel Mayo, Colombian Deputy Health Minister Ivan González, and Brazilian Vice Minister of Health Wanderson Kleber.
The crisis in Venezuela brought about by Nicolás Maduro is the reason we are compelled to meet. The Venezuelan people are suffering; 3 million people—and counting—have fled to neighboring countries to escape intolerable conditions.
Americans support the aspirations of the Venezuelan people to be free and live healthy, prosperous lives. As the world watches with dismay the collapse of the Venezuelan healthcare system, there is growing concern over public health challenges now being exported to Venezuela’s neighbors through mass migration. The goal of today’s meeting is to understand how we can partner with the Guaidó government to help alleviate the suffering.
This situation is a tragic reminder why the United States, and my department in particular, has global health security as a top priority. This is not a theoretical exercise. Today, health security in the Americas is under threat because of the actions of one man.
In the short time we have today, let’s try to identify specific areas where we can work together to address the humanitarian crisis. The legitimate government of Venezuela has a significant task ahead, but its neighbors near and far stand ready to help, as do the international community and the private sector.
I would suggest we focus on immediate health concerns and opportunities for cross border collaboration on first, vaccine-preventable diseases; second, health system resilience; and third, strengthening public health services.
This is the beginning of a longer conversation, but I trust we will identify a few concrete actions today. Let’s all commit to working together in the days and months ahead to help the longsuffering people of Venezuela.
