Wednesday, 08 July 2026
MEDIA ADVISORY
Hybrid press briefing
Health response to the earthquakes in Venezuela: Two weeks after the emergency
WHEN: Thursday, July 9 at 11:00 a.m. (Washington, DC / EST)
WHAT: Two weeks after the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes that struck north-central Venezuela on June 24, 2026, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) will provide an update to the media on the health situation in the affected areas and ongoing efforts to support the health response.
The briefing will address how health priorities have evolved from the initial emergency phase toward maintaining essential health services, monitoring public health risks, supporting people living in temporary camps, strengthening mental health and psychosocial support, and addressing the needs of affected populations.
Updates will also be provided on assessments of health facilities, coordination of Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs), the provision of medicines and essential health supplies, and PAHO/WHO’s work alongside national authorities, United Nations agencies, and humanitarian partners.
WHERE:
Virtual:
Via Zoom: https://paho-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GiV8GbHpSIeGrUa7ITIfgg
Advance registration is required.
In person:
PAHO Headquarters
525 23rd Street NW
Washington, D.C.
Room B
Journalists planning to attend in person must register in advance by emailing mediateam@paho.org and receive confirmation.
Journalists are invited to submit questions in advance to mediateam@paho.org.
SPEAKERS:
- Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director, PAHO/WHO
- Dr. Ciro Ugarte, Director, Health Emergencies Department, PAHO/WHO
- Dr. Armando de Negri, Acting PAHO/WHO Representative in Venezuela
- Dr. Liz Parra, Incident Manager for the Venezuela Earthquakes Response, PAHO/WHO
NOTE TO EDITORS:
- Please ensure you have the latest version of Zoom installed.
- Connect using your full name and media outlet.
- Questions will only be accepted only from registered journalists, either in advance or during the session via the “Raise Hand” feature or Q&A chat.
- Participants are encouraged to join at least 5 minutes before the start of the session.
- In the event of technical difficulties, the session will also be livestreamed via PAHO TV on YouTube.
- Simultaneous interpretation will be available in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese.
LINKS:
PAHO/WHO response to the 2026 Venezuela earthquakes
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sebastian Oliel | +1 202 316 5679
Ashley Baldwin | +1 202 340 4025
mediateam@paho.org
www.paho.org
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It serves as the Regional Office of WHO for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system (OAS).
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