Venezuela urged to stop the transmission of measles and diphtheria

The Pan American Health Organization on Friday painted a bleak picture of Venezuela’s healthcare system, calling for urgent action to stop the transmission of measles and diphtheria amid an intensifying crisis that has seen an exodus of doctors.  The Americas were declared measles-free in 2016, but the viral

disease, which causes pneumonia, brain swelling and death made a comeback in Venezuela last year, according to PAHO, which is the regional office for the World Health Organization. The first case was confirmed in July 2017 but as of June 2018 that figure has risen to 2,285, with cases in 21 of Venezuela’s 24 states and the federal capital. READ MORE