Colombia

At the same time as the COVID-19 crisis, Colombia has been the main recipient country for Venezuelan migrants leaving their country, according to official data. The Abt-led Local Health System Sustainability (LHSS) Project in Colombia is working to strengthen the Colombian health system and increase its resiliency to respond to emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Comunidades Saludables, as the project is known in Colombia, is working with the Colombian government and local stakeholders to reduce financial barriers to care and treatment. It helps ensure equitable access to essential health services for Venezuelan migrants, Colombian returnees, and hosting communities. The project also improves the quality of health services and strengthens health sector resiliency. LHSS integrates gender equality and social inclusion into all interventions, recognizing them as cross-cutting priorities and important components in the migrant response.