World, Americas

2.3M Venezuelans flee country due to 'lack of food'

1.3M suffering from malnourishment, UN says

14.08.2018 - Update : 14.08.2018
2.3M Venezuelans flee country due to 'lack of food'

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON

An estimated 2.3 million people have fled Venezuela since June for Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil, according to a UN spokesman.

"People cite lack of food as their main reason for fleeing, with reportedly 1.3 million people suffering from malnourishment," said Stephane Dujarric.

"There are also severe shortages of basic medicines and medical supplies, which have led to a sharp deterioration of the quality of hospitals," he added.

Dujarric said more than 100,000 Venezuelans living with HIV/AIDS are at risk due to lack of access to necessary medication.

"The formerly eradicated diseases of measles, malaria, tuberculosis and diphtheria are present and on the rise," he added.

Dujarric assessment comes as nearly 33 million Venezuelans continue to grapple with a widening economic crisis that has led to political instability, massive protests and food shortages.

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