Following the magnitude 7.5 and 7.2 earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, causing significant damage in La Guaira and other communities, the Latin American Society of Pediatric Oncology (SLAOP) moved quickly to support Venezuelan colleagues and safeguard continuity of care for children with cancer. Immediately after the disaster, SLAOP established a dedicated WhatsApp group with Venezuelan colleagues, creating a direct channel for real-time information on the status of healthcare professionals, pediatric oncology services, and patient needs. According to SLAOP President Dr. Milena Villarroel, this network has been essential to identifying urgent needs and coordinating support in the days since the earthquakes.

Regional Partners Respond

Dr. Villarroel reported several updates from partner organisations. Wendy Gómez of St. Jude Global LATAM confirmed that two aircraft carrying humanitarian aid, equipment, and rescue teams have already been deployed from the Dominican Republic. Lili Vásquez of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) shared that emergency medical brigades and firstresponse teams have been activated in coordination with the governments of the United States, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. These efforts are being led by Dr. Ciro Ugarte, PAHO’s Director of Health Emergencies, a Peruvian emergency physician.

Continuity of Cancer Care

SLAOP is awaiting further information from Venezuelan colleagues on whether children with cancer will need to be referred to other oncology centers within the country, or whether additional regional treatment networks should be activated to ensure uninterrupted care. CCI LATAM is also actively engaged and closely following the situation, and SLAOP will continue coordinating with all partners as more information becomes available.

Thanks to this rapid, coordinated response, since the WhatsApp group was created, and through the ongoing engagement of CCI LATAM, St. Jude Global, and PAHO, treatment for children with cancer in Venezuela has continued with minimal interruption, despite significant damage to several pediatric oncology units.