By Agence France-Presse
About 2.3 million Venezuelans have fled their crisis-hit country mainly because of a lack of food as severe shortages of medicine has left thousands at risk, the UN spokesman said Tuesday.
Venezuelan citizens wait in line to cross into Ecuador on August 11, 2018, as millions of Venezuelans flee their country due to lack of resources such as food and medical supplies (AFP Photo/LEONARDO CASTRO/MANILA BULLETIN)
The Venezuelans have fled to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil.
"People cite the lack of food as their main reason for leaving," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. About 1.3 million Venezuelans are suffering from malnourishment.
Severe shortages of medicine and medical supplies have led to a "sharp deterioration of the quality of hospitals," he said, citing UN humanitarian officials.
More than 100,000 Venezuelans living with HIV/AIDS are "at risk due to lack of access to necessary medication," he said.
Diseases that had been eradicated such as measles, malaria, tuberculosis, and diphtheria have reappeared and are on the rise.
Oil-rich Venezuela has been in an economic freefall since a drop in oil prices in 2014 left a gaping hole in the country's finances.
President Nicolas Maduro has faced criticism for his handling of the economy and accusations that he is sliding towards authoritarianism.