Aiding Venezuela: Helping those in need.

The health challenges faced by Indigenous peoples are linked to the social and physical environments in which they live. The adverse health factors experienced by Indigenous peoples, including low income, poor access to formal education, high unemployment, inadequate access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and health care, high food insecurity, poor housing, lack of adequate and formal support systems; and stigmatization, undermine their health. That's why, after four years of the COVID-19 pandemic being declared, indigenous people continue to be identified as particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.

Since it poses a higher threat to Indigenous communities, which increases the risk of COVID-19 transmission, Wayuu Taya has continued working to help minimize the impact of sickness on these communities.

This report details some of our achievements during 2023 to help reduce the impact of the pandemic through our Food, Water, Health, and Hygiene Programs: 

Nutritional Support and Clean Water

In 2023, our "Water for All" program distributed 1,171,800 liters of water at no cost, targeting hospitals, schools, health centers, elderly centers, and NGOs, ensuring clean water for 47,487 people.

Our food program distributed vegetables, fruits, and grains to 35 communities, 62 schools, 55 institutions, and NGOs, totaling 189,159 kilograms of food and providing 626,299 meals. This effort offered weekly meals to over 12,000 children, benefiting more than 15,887 people, helping to mitigate high food insecurity, which threatens their health. 

We conducted nutritional assessments in communities and schools to help identify nutrition problems among indigenous children. As a result, 54 children received specialized treatment for malnutrition. 

Health and Hygiene Programs

Throughout 2023, we remained committed to health, hygiene, and personal care. 109,126 people received hygiene kits and personal care items. The hygiene program benefitted 60 communities, 45 schools, 28 NGOs, and 86 institutions. This support highlights the importance of hygiene in preventing illnesses, including COVID-19.

Also, 6,840  people in schools, hospitals, and community kitchens benefitted from installing 30 portable handwashing stations. This action promoted accessibility to handwashing, preventing the spreading of diseases. Portable handwashing unit facilities make access more accessible and faster for a wash and provide important visual cues for users to wash their hands before eating, handling foods, or any time they require it. 

The medicine distribution and medical supplies supported 191 institutions and benefited 55,157 people. Additionally, we distributed PPE products and infrared thermometers to 34 schools, benefiting 8,267 people.  

Your generosity plays an essential role in our mission to enhance community well-being. Through your support, we are empowered to provide access to critical resources such as nutrient-rich foods, clean water, medicines, and hygiene products.

Thank you so much!

Supporting Indigenous Communities Post-COVID-19: Our Ongoing Efforts

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a profound impact on the world, particularly on vulnerable indigenous communities. As we approach three years since the height of this crisis, these communities, especially in the Guajira subregion, continue to face significant challenges. Poverty and extreme poverty remain prevalent, exacerbated by rising inequality and declining employment opportunities.

We are dedicated to supporting these communities in their recovery, focusing on critical areas such as health, nutrition, and education. Our initiatives include:

1.   Health and Hygiene Programs: We have installed portable handwashing stations in schools, hospitals, and community kitchens, serving over 5,900 individuals. This effort underscores the importance of hygiene in preventing illnesses, including COVID-19.

 2.    Nutritional Support and Clean Water: Our 'Water for All' program has delivered over 720,000 liters of clean water to various institutions, impacting 36,200 people. Additionally, we provide regular food assistance to 156 communities, 75 schools, and 76 organizations, serving 2.9 million meals to over 71,525 individuals.

 3.   Medical and Personal Hygiene Supplies: Our efforts extend to medicines and supplies distribution, benefiting 200,000 people, expanding our outreach across 15 states of Venezuela through various activities and collaborations, including 89 health centers in Zulia State. Also, we've provided individual medical treatments to 283 people and distributed essential personal hygiene supplies to over 87,000 individuals in Mara and Maracaibo Municipalities.

While our goal is ambitious, it's crucial to be realistic. Eradicating the effects of the pandemic may not be entirely feasible; however, mitigating these impacts is a significant and achievable aim. We focus on helping to reduce the adverse effects and building resilient communities capable of withstanding future challenges.

Your Role in This Journey

The success of these initiatives is greatly attributed to the support from donors like you. Your contributions have been fundamental in providing essentials like clean water, food, medicine, and hygiene supplies to those in need. As we move forward, your continued support is vital in improving the quality of life for the Wayuu communities and beyond.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Together, we can continue to take meaningful steps to mitigate the aftermath of COVID-19 and foster a brighter future for these resilient communities. Thank you for standing with us in this ongoing journey of hope and healing.