Earlier this month, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) resumed activities at the Lajas Blancas migrant reception station in the province of Darién, in southern Panama. This comes after the authorities approved MSF teams to undertake a three-month medical response to help migrants crossing the Darién jungle, the only land route between South and North America, and the local community who have been affected by the crisis.

“During the first two weeks of our activities, we saw that the health needs of those leaving the Darién jungle continue to be immense,” said Carlos Estrella, MSF project coordinator in Darién. “In 10 days, we carried out about 280 medical consultations in Lajas Blancas, including 72 patients with symptoms of mental distress.”

MSF teams have also treated patients for diabetes, hypertension, and epilepsy, and provided contraceptives and consultations to pregnant women. The team has also seen and treated victims of sexual violence.

Since 2022, MSF has witnessed the multiple health risks faced by people who cross the Darién Gap, the natural border between Colombia and Panama, on their way north to the United States and Canada. This has also had an impact on the local community, as health centres have been overwhelmed by the increase in consultations due to the high numbers of people in the area.

Some 260,000 migrants have crossed the Darién so far this year, according to the latest figures released by the Panamanian migration authority.

“This new collaboration will provide access to healthcare for people in extreme need,” Estrella said. “That is why we welcome this decision and are committed to continue working closely with the Panamanian Ministry of Health to provide comprehensive healthcare to people crossing the jungle and to the local community in the area.” 

The MSF team in Darién includes doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers.

Beyond Darién, MSF teams carry out medical and humanitarian activities to assist people on the move in different parts of the Americas, including in parts of Central America and Mexico. The teams constantly adapt to a changing migration route. Until the end of September 2024, MSF supported a response in Costa Rica focussed on migrants.