The world faces many global health challenges, but crises such as natural disasters, war, and famine take a particular toll. Global support can aid survivors and strengthen recovery efforts. In times of crisis, CIGH uses the expertise and connections of its core leaders to identify and recommend effective and reputable ways to support survivors and recovery.

We will update this page with recommended resources and ways to help, based on specific crises as they occur.

Support for Earthquake Recovery in Venezuela

Two massive back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, resulting in nearly 1,500 official deaths as of June 29, although this is thought to be a “dramatic undercount” of the true toll. The 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude earthquakes struck a region facing ongoing healthcare challenges and political and economic instability. Rescuers are working urgently to rescue survivors, and many displaced families have nowhere to go.

Below are some trusted ways to support the immediate needs of survivors as well as the longer-term recovery.

Donate or volunteer with organizations responding to this natural disaster:

• International Rescue Committee: The global nonprofit is mobilizing an initial emergency response to reach those in need, including the distribution of essential relief items and emergency medical supplies to frontline workers in the most affected areas.
• World Central Kitchen: This nonprofit specializes in feeding people in disaster and conflict-affected areas. WCK teams began serving meals as quickly as possible following the earthquakes.
• International Red Cross: The ICRC has an active delegation in Caracas and has been providing emergency water and sanitation support, including facilitating the deployment of a water purification plant to La Guaira – one of the hardest-hit areas – and coordinating the delivery of water tanker trucks to hospitals in the region.
• Direct Relief: This nonprofit, highly rated by Charity Navigator, says it is in communication with local and regional organizations about medical needs and will mobilize medical aid deliveries to help address immediate and near-term health requests. The organization has an extensive history of medical support in South America and the Caribbean, including work in coordination with the Pan American Health Organization, the branch of the World Health Organization in the Americas, since 2018, to provide regional medical support during emergencies and support health systems throughout the region.
• Global Empowerment Mission: Global Empowerment Mission, in partnership with its long-time partner I Love Venezuela, is committing an initial $10 million in humanitarian aid and support to help affected families recover and rebuild. With more than 15 years of experience responding to major earthquakes and operations across 14 significant earthquake disasters worldwide, GEM brings proven expertise in large-scale emergency logistics, humanitarian coordination, and long-term recovery.

Best practices for financial donations

Financial donations are often a powerful way to support relief efforts. By donating to reputable organizations on the ground, you can help provide essential resources to those in need in a timely fashion.

Vetting Reputable Organizations
It’s important to verify the credibility of organizations before making donations. Look for transparency, accountability, and a proven track record of effective aid delivery. Websites such as Guidestar and Charity Navigator are excellent resources for vetting an organization’s track record, fiscal responsibility, and good standing.