PANAMA CITY, PANAMA AND BOGOTA, COLOMBIA — HIAS and Médecins du Monde (MdM), with financial support from the European Union (EU), have launched a cross-country action to address the urgent protection and health needs of people crossing the dangerous Darién Gap. This initiative aims to reach 39,000 people in Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica and provide essential services such as prevention, mitigation and response to gender-based violence (GBV), primary health care, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and sexual and reproductive health care in hotspots along the routes.

“The Regional Response Plan for Refugees and Migrants forecasts the alarming number of up to 4.71 million people in need of assistance in Colombia, including refugees, migrants and host communities. This is why the EU is supporting its humanitarian partners to alleviate their suffering,” said Cédric Perus, EU Humanitarian Aid Chief in Colombia.

In the Darién Gap, refugees and migrants face increasing dangers due to hostile geographic and health conditions, as well as violence that threatens their physical integrity and life expectancy. Gender-based violence is on the rise, but there are inadequate support services for survivors and limited access to medical care for illness and injury. Estimates suggest that the number of people crossing this dangerous jungle could range from 556,000 to over 900,000 by 2024.

“HIAS’s cross-country intervention in Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica addresses the exacerbated protection situation of refugees and migrants,” said Cristina Garcia, HIAS’s regional senior vice president for the LAC region. “Together with MdM, this operation will improve access to essential services, especially for refugee women, children and LGBTQ+ people, to complement existing limited capacities on the ground.”

“With this intervention, MdM is committed to guaranteeing the right to health for people who rely on mobility in Darién Gap in Colombia and Panama,” said Irene Manterola, General Coordinator of MdM in Colombia. “We provide direct health care, including sexual and reproductive health and MHPSS; we advocate for rights and raise awareness against xenophobia and discrimination. In particular, we work with women, children and LGBTQ+ people in this high-risk area. As a health organization, our mission is to save lives and meet the needs of the most vulnerable.”