Expanding Migrant Health & Humanitarian Aid in Colombia, Ecuador, and Honduras

Washington, DC (20 March 2024) – In the midst of unprecedented migration through Central and South America, Project HOPE – through the generous support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – is establishing programs in Colombia, Ecuador, and Honduras focused on addressing the health and humanitarian needs of migrants. The programs will increase access to health; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and protection services, particularly for women and children who are vulnerable to the health and safety risks associated with displacement.

“Latin America and the Caribbean are experiencing the largest migration crisis in the world outside of conflict areas due to economic challenges, gangs and violence, and the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on agriculture,” said Adib Fletcher, Project HOPE’s Senior Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean and humanitarian response. “Additionally, the collapse of the public health system in countries like Venezuela have also driven people to seek healthcare in other countries. With support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are ensuring that individuals and families experiencing forced displacement can access basic health services and humanitarian aid.”

Project HOPE has a history of working in Colombia, Ecuador, and Honduras, and recently conducted needs assessments to identify the priority health needs and service gaps facing migrants across the region. Even when services are available, migrants often face barriers to accessing support, including cost, distance or lack of transportation, limited health system capacity, lack of insurance or documentation, limited awareness of available services, and fear or distrust of governments and health systems.

In Colombia, Project HOPE has been providing humanitarian assistance to migrants and refugees – primarily of Venezuelan descent – and host communities since 2018. As part of this program, Project HOPE will be providing surge staffing at health facilities and a shelter for primary care services and psychological consultations, in addition to procuring pharmaceuticals; medical supplies and equipment; and hygiene, dignity, and birth kits for impacted communities. The program will also include community health promotion activities.  

In Ecuador, Project HOPE will be equipping health facilities and shelters with pharmaceuticals and medical supplies and equipment and addressing WASH repairs and rehabilitation in two migrant shelters. It will also provide surge staffing for medical an psychological care; distribute hygiene kits to migrant communities, and support referral pathways for protection services for survivors of gender-based violence.

Project HOPE has worked in Honduras since 1983 addressing a range of issues, including maternal and child health, vaccination and education for pneumococcal diseases, treatment and care for HIV/AIDS, women’s rights and economic empowerment, and health worker training on diabetes and diabetes prevention. As part of this program, Project HOPE will support health facilities, mobile medical units, and shelters via surge staffing for health consultations and infrastructure rehabilitation. The program will also provide Psychological First Aid and training for health workers at key facilities and migrant transit points.

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For media inquiries, contact media@projecthope.org.

About Project HOPE
Founded in 1958, Project HOPE is a leading global health and humanitarian organization operating in more than 25 countries around the world. We work side-by-side with local health systems to save lives and improve health. Our mission is at the epicenter of today’s greatest health challenges, including infectious and chronic diseases, disasters and health crises, maternal, neonatal and child health and the policies that impact how health care is delivered. For more information on Project HOPE and its work around the world, visit www.ProjectHOPE.org and follow us on Twitter @ProjectHOPEorg.

About Latter-day Saint Charities
Latter-day Saint Charities is the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its purpose is to relieve suffering, foster self-reliance and provide opportunities for service. Latter-day Saint Charities sponsors relief and development projects in 195 countries and gives assistance without regard to race, religious affiliation, or nationality.