Panama tells Doctors Without Borders to stop providing treatment to Darin Gap migrants
Mar 10, 2024 |
By Luke Taylor
Panama has ordered Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to stop treating people who have crossed the Darién Gap, one of the world’s most dangerous and fastest-growing border crossings. MSF is one of the largest medical NGOs operating on the dangerous jungle frontier which connects Colombia to Panama and the loss of their services will probably leave a void in potentially lifesaving healthcare services for vulnerable migrants.
“We are extremely concerned about the consequences that the suspension of our activities has on people on the move through the Darién Gap,” MSF said in a press release.
The Darien Gap is a 60-mile stretch of swampy rainforest and the only land route north for migrants heading to the USA from South America.
More than half a million people – including 113,000 children – risked their lives crossing the rainforest on foot last year, up from a total of 24,000 in 2019.
Emergency medical treatment is desperately needed in the region due to the serious health risks of walking through one of the most perilous and lawless regions on earth. At least 48 people died while attempting the arduous, week-long trek last year, the majority drowning in turbulent rivers. NGOs like MSF most commonly treat migrants for aggressive fungal infections, acute malnutrition and diarrhea, but the organsation is increasingly focussing on the physical and mental treatment of survivors of sexual violence following a surge in cases in recent months.
More:
https://cuencahighlife.com/panama-tells-doctors-without-borders-to-stop-providing-treatment-to-darien-gap-migrants/