Venezuela – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Venezuela?

Among non-communicable diseases, cardiovascular conditions, malignant neoplasms, and diabetes are the primary drivers of mortality in Venezuela. Communicable diseases contribute around 10% of all deaths, with lower respiratory tract infections and HIV/AIDS being the most significant within that category. While this broad pattern resembles the disease burden seen across much of upper-middle-income Latin America, Venezuela’s health system is far less capable of addressing these conditions effectively.

At the population level, non-communicable diseases are responsible for roughly two thirds of all deaths, followed by injuries, and then communicable, maternal, and perinatal conditions. One notable distinction is that deaths attributable to injury and homicide represent a markedly higher share of total mortality in Venezuela than in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region overall.

With regard to cancer deaths, 2019 data show an age-adjusted prostate cancer mortality rate of 25.5 per 100,000 men, a lung cancer rate of 16.0 per 100,000, and a colorectal cancer rate of 7.7 per 100,000. Among women, breast cancer mortality stood at 16.8 per 100,000, lung cancer at 11.4 per 100,000, and colorectal cancer at 7.1 per 100,000.

Venezuela has also seen a significant resurgence of communicable diseases, reversing progress made over previous decades and generating spillover effects across the wider region. Declining vaccination rates have allowed several vaccine-preventable illnesses to re-emerge, most prominently through the 2017–2019 measles outbreak, alongside notable increases in diphtheria, pertussis, and mumps.

Intestinal parasites, hepatitis, respiratory infections — especially rhinopharyngitis — and nutritional disorders are also among the most commonly recorded conditions in the country. Nutritional problems in particular have grown more visible against the backdrop of pervasive food insecurity.

Is Venezuela considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Life expectancy at birth in 2024 was recorded at 72.7 years, falling below the average for the Americas region and only marginally above the 72.4 years recorded in 2000. For comparison, the regional average for the Americas surpasses 75 years. The near-absence of improvement over more than two decades reflects the heavy toll that Venezuela’s health crisis has taken on the population.

Unlike the downward regional trend seen across Latin America and the Caribbean, under-five mortality in Venezuela has risen by an estimated 40% over the past decade. Current estimates place the rate as high as 29 deaths per 1,000 live births, with infants making up the majority of these fatalities. Recent data also suggest that life expectancy has fallen by approximately 3.5 years compared to the previous generation.

Healthcare and medicine access remains severely restricted, driven by limitations in system capacity, disrupted supply chains, and high out-of-pocket costs. By mid-2021, an estimated 18.8 million Venezuelans were without access to health services, including 10.4 million people living with chronic conditions. This stands in stark contrast to countries with functioning universal healthcare systems, where managing chronic illness routinely involves little or no cost to the patient.

In 2022, the incidence of tuberculosis was recorded at 35 new cases per 100,000 population. In 2019, the overall tuberculosis mortality rate was 2.7 per 100,000 (1.5 among women and 4.2 among men). Readers are advised to consult the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) country profile for Venezuela and the WHO Venezuela data page for the most current indicators, as the situation continues to evolve.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Venezuela?

The ongoing crisis in Venezuela has allowed a number of infectious diseases — previously brought under control or near-eliminated — to re-establish themselves as significant public health threats. For those relocating from countries where illnesses such as malaria or dengue are rarely encountered, this represents a meaningful shift in the risk environment that demands active attention.

Between 2007 and 2017, malaria cases surged by close to 900%, and since 2017 Venezuela has been responsible for more than half of all malaria cases recorded across South America. Risk is greatest in the southern and south-eastern states — particularly Bolívar, Amazonas, and Delta Amacuro — which border the Amazon basin. Expats residing or travelling in rural areas or mining communities within these regions face the highest exposure.

Insects including mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas are vectors for a range of diseases in Venezuela, many of which cannot be prevented by vaccine or medication. Actively reducing exposure to insect bites is therefore essential. Dengue fever and chikungunya are also prevalent throughout the country, including urban centres, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Schistosomiasis and leptospirosis — both contracted through contact with fresh water — are present in Venezuela, and swimming in unchlorinated bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or ponds is not recommended. Chagas disease, spread by the triatomine or “kissing” bug, is also found in the country, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.

In 2020, the estimated HIV incidence rate was 17.5 per 100,000 population, while the age-adjusted HIV mortality rate in 2019 stood at 26.1 per 100,000. Access to antiretroviral therapy remains acutely limited due to ongoing medicine shortages.

Food and water safety pose serious and documented risks. Declining immunisation rates, deteriorating water infrastructure, and the effects of drought have all worsened the health situation. Expats should use bottled or reliably purified water for drinking and food preparation, and exercise care when consuming street food or produce that may have been washed in untreated water.

Regarding vaccinations, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and most national travel health authorities advise travellers and long-term residents to be fully up to date with routine immunisations and to consider additional vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever (mandatory proof of vaccination is required when entering some neighbouring countries), and rabies for those in high-risk occupations or remote settings. Consulting a travel medicine doctor at least one month before departure is recommended to allow sufficient time for vaccines and preventive medications. Always verify the latest vaccination requirements with your home country’s health or foreign affairs ministry.

Is smoking common in Venezuela, and what are the laws around it?

As of 2023, adult tobacco smoking prevalence stood at 25.2% among men and 13.9% among women, yielding an overall rate of 19.4%. The total number of current smokers was estimated at 2.7 million in 2024. Daily smoking prevalence in 2023 was 13.1%, comprising 17% of men and 9.4% of women.

An estimated 14,085 deaths per year in Venezuela are attributed to tobacco-related illness. Although this represents a substantial public health burden, Venezuela’s smoking rates are somewhat below those recorded in certain parts of Europe and East Asia.

Venezuela has enacted reasonably thorough tobacco control measures. Ministry of Popular Power for Health Resolution No. 030 of March 2, 2011 prohibits smoking in all indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transportation, and establishes requirements for smoke-free signage and penalties for non-compliance. This places Venezuela broadly in alignment with the smoke-free legislation adopted by many other Latin American nations during the same era.

In addition to the indoor smoking ban, there is a comprehensive prohibition on tobacco advertising and promotion, including product displays at point of sale. Cigarettes may be legally sold, but vending machine and online sales are prohibited. Health warnings on cigarette packaging are mandatory. The minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products is 18 years.

Venezuela has adopted a notably strict stance on vaping and electronic cigarettes. Resolution No. 414 of June 28, 2023 constitutes the primary legislation in this area, prohibiting the manufacture, storage, distribution, circulation, commercialisation, advertising, promotion, sponsorship, import, export, use, consumption, and retail and wholesale sale of e-cigarettes — including devices, refills, and related accessories — as well as heated tobacco products. Expats who use vaping products should be aware that they are entirely banned under Venezuelan law.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Venezuela?

Venezuela’s nutritional health picture is both unusual and deeply troubling. Rather than grappling solely with the obesity epidemic that characterises much of the region, the country simultaneously confronts high levels of food insecurity and undernutrition alongside a rising burden of diet-related chronic illness.

Once known for relatively ambitious investments in public health infrastructure and prevention, Venezuela has seen its healthcare system collapse under the weight of prolonged political and economic instability, while food insecurity has become pervasive. The result is a dual burden: portions of the population suffer from acute malnutrition and nutrient deficiency, while cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity-related conditions — rooted in a historically oil-rich, meat-heavy dietary culture — continue to account for significant mortality.

Cardiovascular disease, malignant neoplasms, and diabetes remain the leading causes of non-communicable disease death in the country, all of which are strongly linked to diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use. The traditional Venezuelan diet — built around arepas, rice, black beans, plantains, and meat — can be nutritionally balanced in principle, but has historically also carried a high load of saturated fats and refined carbohydrates.

Venezuela holds a national obesity risk score of 7.5 out of 10 and a childhood obesity risk score of 8 out of 11 on the World Obesity Federation’s composite scale, where higher scores denote greater risk. These figures reflect not only present prevalence but also the projected future trajectory of the obesity burden. For the most current obesity statistics, readers are encouraged to visit the World Obesity Federation’s Venezuela profile.

Paradoxically, the economic crisis has reduced caloric consumption for many Venezuelans, which has in some respects obscured obesity figures while sharply increasing rates of acute malnutrition — especially among children and other vulnerable groups. Expats moving to Venezuela should anticipate limited availability of certain imported foods and plan their nutritional needs accordingly.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Venezuela?

Mental health in Venezuela is influenced by a combination of deeply held cultural norms and the immense psychological toll of a prolonged humanitarian emergency. Economic hardship, food insecurity, pervasive violence, and large-scale emigration have collectively placed enormous strain on the country’s social fabric, driving elevated levels of stress, anxiety, grief, and depression among the population.

As in much of Latin America, mental illness carries social stigma in Venezuela. In some communities, psychological difficulties are attributed to personal failings or spiritual causes, and many people remain reluctant to seek professional assistance. Family and community networks have traditionally served as primary sources of support for those experiencing psychological distress, often substituting for formal care where professional services are inaccessible.

Health policymakers have highlighted the importance of expanding coverage across several areas of primary care, including mental health, non-communicable diseases, sexual and reproductive health, and maternal and child health. In practice, however, public mental health services are dramatically under-resourced. The large-scale emigration of trained healthcare personnel in recent years has had a severe impact on the quality and availability of patient care. Psychiatrists and clinical psychologists are scarce, and public psychiatric facilities routinely face the same medicine shortages afflicting the broader health system.

Unlike countries with comprehensive universal mental health provisions — such as the NHS Talking Therapies programme in the United Kingdom or statutory health insurance coverage for psychotherapy in Germany — Venezuela offers no equivalent nationwide publicly funded service that expats or local residents can reliably access. Private psychologists and psychiatrists do operate in major cities including Caracas, Maracaibo, and Valencia, and these professionals typically represent the most viable option for expats holding private insurance.

Expats moving to Venezuela — particularly those arriving from more stable, secure environments — should not underestimate the psychological demands of the transition. Social isolation, language barriers, safety anxieties, and diminished access to familiar support structures can all contribute to mental health difficulties. Maintaining regular contact with support networks at home, connecting with expat communities locally, and securing ongoing access to a mental health professional — whether in person in Venezuela or through online and teletherapy platforms — is strongly advisable.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Venezuela?

Expats in Venezuela encounter a particular set of health challenges that can differ substantially from those faced by long-term residents. Understanding these risks in advance and preparing for them thoroughly is fundamental to staying healthy in the country.

Absence of immunity to locally prevalent diseases. Given the scarcity of reliable health data from within Venezuela, infectious disease events among international arrivals can function as early indicators of what is occurring in the broader population. Healthcare providers treating new arrivals should remain alert, as patients may present with conditions not commonly seen in their home countries. Expats coming from regions where malaria, dengue, and Chagas disease are uncommon have no acquired immunity to these illnesses and may experience more severe initial episodes than those with a lifetime of local exposure.

Shortages of medicines and medical supplies. Access to healthcare and medications is constrained by system capacity, supply chain disruption, and high out-of-pocket costs. Expats managing chronic conditions — including diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy, or HIV — should carry an adequate supply of their prescribed treatments when relocating, as particular brands or formulations may simply not be obtainable. Maintaining a relationship with a physician in your home country who can assist with remote prescription management is highly recommended.

Climate and environmental adaptation. Venezuela’s climate spans hot tropical coastal and lowland zones to cooler Andean highlands. Heat-related illness, including heat stroke, can be life-threatening. Staying well hydrated, wearing light and loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding strenuous physical activity during the hottest parts of the day are important precautions. Expats relocating to high-altitude cities such as Mérida should allow adequate time to acclimatise.

Practical steps expats should take:

• Arrange comprehensive private health insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation before relocating — this is non-negotiable given the condition of the public healthcare system.
• Attend a travel health clinic for a thorough pre-departure health review and vaccination assessment.
• Bring sufficient quantities of all regular prescription medications and keep copies of prescriptions with you.
• Register with a reputable private doctor or clinic in your area promptly after arrival.
• Use DEET-based insect repellents, sleep under mosquito nets in at-risk areas, and wear protective clothing during dawn and dusk hours.
• Drink only bottled or reliably purified water and maintain careful food hygiene practices.
• Keep informed about the local security environment, as stress and safety concerns carry real and significant health consequences.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Venezuela?

Locating accurate, up-to-date health information about Venezuela can be difficult given limited official data transparency and the rapidly shifting situation on the ground. That said, a number of authoritative sources exist to help expats prepare adequately and remain informed.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Venezuela page is one of the most dependable sources for epidemiological data, vaccination coverage reports, and disease outbreak updates. PAHO collaborates closely with Venezuela’s Ministry of Popular Power for Health (Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Salud) and publishes health situation reports that tend to be more consistent than domestic government releases.

The WHO Venezuela data page offers regularly updated country-level health statistics, covering life expectancy, causes of mortality, and disease indicators. The WHO also publishes vaccine-preventable disease surveillance data that is directly relevant to expats planning their immunisation schedules.

For practical travel and health preparation advice, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Venezuela travel health page offers regularly updated guidance on recommended vaccinations, disease risks, food and water safety, and environmental hazards. Most countries publish equivalent resources through their national health or foreign affairs ministries — consult your own government’s travel advisory website for country-specific health guidance on Venezuela.

For the latest regional health indicators, the PAHO Core Indicators portal is a useful reference tool that allows Venezuela’s key health statistics to be compared against those of neighbouring and peer countries, helping to contextualise the overall picture.

Within Venezuela, the hospitals most used by expats in Caracas are typically private institutions. Embassy staff may be able to recommend vetted local medical providers, and in any medical emergency your own country’s embassy should be the first point of contact. Always confirm in advance that any hospital or clinic you intend to use accepts your health insurance — before an emergency makes this impossible to verify in time.

Health guidelines, vaccination requirements, and disease conditions in Venezuela can shift rapidly. Always consult authoritative sources and speak with a travel medicine specialist both before and after your relocation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Venezuela

Is malaria a real risk in Venezuelan cities like Caracas?

Since 2017, Venezuela has accounted for more than half of all malaria cases recorded across South America. However, transmission risk is concentrated in the southern and south-eastern states — particularly Bolívar, Amazonas, and Delta Amacuro. Caracas and other cities in the north carry considerably lower risk, but expats who travel to or reside in the southern states or rural areas should take antimalarial precautions and seek advice from a specialist travel health clinic.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Venezuela?

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for most travellers to Venezuela, especially those visiting forested or rural regions, as the disease is present in the country. Several neighbouring countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving from Venezuela. Requirements are subject to change; always check the current position with the Venezuelan consulate in your home country and your own travel health authority before departure.

Can I access reliable medical care as an expat in Venezuela?

Surveys of public and private hospitals have documented shortages of basic medicines and surgical supplies, with 79% of facilities reportedly lacking reliable access to water. Public hospitals are severely depleted of resources. Expats should depend on private clinics, which are better equipped but can be costly. Comprehensive private health insurance — including coverage for medical evacuation — is essential before relocating.

Are e-cigarettes and vaping products legal in Venezuela?

Resolution No. 414 of June 28, 2023 prohibits the manufacture, distribution, commercialisation, import, export, use, and consumption of e-cigarettes — including devices, refills, and accessories — as well as heated tobacco products. Bringing vaping equipment into Venezuela is therefore unlawful, and expats should not attempt to import such items.

Is tap water safe to drink in Venezuela?

Tap water in Venezuela is generally considered unsafe to drink. Water infrastructure has deteriorated considerably as a result of the economic crisis, and supply contamination is a documented and ongoing public health concern. Expats should consume only bottled or reliably filtered and boiled water, use it when brushing their teeth, and avoid ice made from tap water in any setting where its source cannot be confirmed.

What should I do if I need prescription medication that isn’t available in Venezuela?

Medicine availability is severely constrained by health system limitations and supply chain failures. Anyone managing a chronic condition should bring the largest legally permitted supply of their medication, retain copies of all prescriptions, and stay in contact with a prescribing physician in their home country. Some expats arrange periodic resupply through trusted travellers arriving from abroad or via diplomatic mail. Check your home country’s regulations on exporting medicines and Venezuela’s customs rules on importing them before you travel.

How does Venezuela’s mental health system compare to other countries?

Venezuela’s public mental health infrastructure is extremely limited in comparison with countries that have integrated mental health care into universal health systems — such as France, Germany, or Canada. Private therapists and psychiatrists are available in major cities, but their numbers have been reduced by the large-scale emigration of healthcare professionals. Expats are strongly advised to arrange access to mental health support — including teletherapy options — before moving, and to maintain close ties with their support networks abroad.

Where can I check for the latest health advisories for Venezuela?

The most authoritative sources are the PAHO Venezuela page, the WHO Venezuela data page, and the CDC Venezuela travel health page. Your home government’s foreign travel advisory service will also issue country-specific health and safety guidance. Review these resources regularly both before and after your move, as conditions in Venezuela can change rapidly.