US Blockade to Affect Medical Treatment of Venezuelan Children

The Latin American Foundation for Human Rights and Social Development (Fundalatin) denounced Tuesday the suspension of medical treatments for children who have undergone transplants, due to the financial blockade imposed by the United States on Venezuela.

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The organization explained that the affected children, who are being treated in Italy and Argentina, will receive specialized medical treatment paid by the Venezuelan Government through the Simon Bolivar Foundation until July 30, as they have been banned from paying for medical services to the patients, according to the message.

The foundation is a part of Citgo, a branch of Venezuela's State-owned oil company (PDVSA), that was confiscated by the U.S. Government in 2019. 

The statement was accompanied by a letter that suggests that the children's parents should seek other alternatives for support, in coordination with the foundation and the Italian hospital to find resources.

In light of this situation, Fundalatin asked United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet to act promptly for the benefit of the Venezuelan children and adolescents who suffer from severe liver diseases.

The sanctions, as United States President Donald Trump has expressed repeatedly, are in place to oust the democratically elected government of President Nicolas Maduro, no matter the human cost. 

A recent report made by the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), revealed that 40,000 people may have died in the Latin American nation in the last two years because of these measures.

Meanwhile, more than US$30 billion of Venezuelan government assets are blocked up due to U.S. sanctions preventing the nation from exporting and importing goods, including food and medicine.