In an extraordinary display of cross-regional solidarity amid widespread global disaster response, Haiti — a small French-speaking Caribbean nation grappling with its own deep-seated economic and security challenges — has launched a dedicated humanitarian medical mission to support Venezuela in the wake of devastating twin earthquakes that struck the South American country on June 24.
Led by Haiti’s Minister of Public Health and Population Dr. Sinal Bertrand, the 29-member team of specialized medical professionals touched down in Venezuela on Tuesday, accompanied by 5.5 metric tons of critically needed medical supplies to boost the country’s ongoing disaster relief and recovery operations. The June earthquakes have already left Venezuela reeling from an unprecedented humanitarian crisis: official government data confirms the disaster has claimed at least 3,685 lives, injured more than 16,700 people, and left thousands more unaccounted for across affected regions.
The Haitian medical delegation brings specialized expertise across high-priority disciplines for disaster response, including orthopedics, general surgery, anesthesiology, gynecology, and internal medicine. The team will integrate directly with local Venezuelan health systems to deliver direct care to thousands of displaced and injured earthquake survivors. Beyond clinical personnel, the donated medical shipment includes critical care equipment ranging from ultrasound machines and oxygen concentrators to specialized pediatric care tools, all prioritized for emergency response needs.
Speaking at the delegation’s arrival in the country, Dr. Bertrand emphasized that this gesture was rooted in shared fraternity rather than token support. “We did not come here to deliver leftovers, but to share what little we have with the Bolivarian people of Venezuela as a sign of solidarity and fraternity,” he stated. “We did not send a consultative delegation; we came with specialists ready to make themselves available to the Venezuelan government for 15, 20 or 30 days, or even as long as necessary.”
The Haitian team was formally welcomed at Simón Bolívar International Airport by senior Venezuelan health officials, led by Vice Minister of Outpatient Care Networks Dr. Noly Fernández. Fernández expressed profound gratitude for the unexpected support from Haiti, framing the mission as a landmark demonstration of regional solidarity at one of Venezuela’s darkest moments in recent history. She confirmed that Venezuelan health authorities are already coordinating to deploy the Haitian medical team to the most hard-hit disaster zones, primarily the capital Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira.
“Venezuela welcomes them with great love, solidarity and respect for Bolivarian ideals. We share a common history that will allow us to move forward together,” Fernández added.
For the Haitian government, the mission reflects a long-standing commitment to multilateral humanitarian cooperation and Latin American and Caribbean regional solidarity. Officials extended formal condolences to all families who lost loved ones in the disaster, and expressed full confidence in Venezuela’s capacity to rebuild and recover from the tragedy. The medical team will remain deployed in the country for as long as Venezuelan authorities require their support, to fill gaps in emergency healthcare services and sustain ongoing recovery operations across affected regions.