39,000 People Along Darien Gap To Receive Life-Saving Protection and Health Assistance

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

“The Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan projects staggering figures of up to 4.71 million people in need of assistance in Colombia, including refugees, migrants, and host communities, which is why the EU supports its humanitarian partners in alleviating their distress,” said Cédric Perus, head of EU Humanitarian Aid in Colombia.

In the Darién Gap, refugees and migrants face escalating risks due to a hostile geographic and health environment, compounded by violence that threatens their physical integrity and life expectancy. The prevalence of GBV is rising, yet there are insufficient support services for survivors and limited access to healthcare for illnesses and injuries. By 2024, it is estimated that the number of people crossing this perilous jungle could range from 556,000 to over 900,000.

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

“In this intervention, MdM is working to ensure the right to health for those in human mobility through Darién Gap in Colombia and Panama,” said Irene Manterola, general coordinator for MdM in Colombia. “We provide direct healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health and MHPSS; advocate for rights, and raise awareness against xenophobia and discrimination. In particular, we are working with women, children, and LGBTQ+ people in this high-risk area. As a health organization, our mission is to save lives and address the needs of the most vulnerable.”