Panama Border Closures May Increase Endemic Diseases in Colombia
Panamanian authorities’ recent closure of migratory routes through the Darién jungle may lead to a surge in endemic diseases in Colombia. This development poses significant public health challenges for the border regions.
Endemic diseases such as congenital syphilis, chikungunya, dengue, and leptospirosis may increase in Colombia due to Panamanian authorities’ closure of migratory routes through the Darién jungle. Colombia’s Office of the Ombudsman issued this warning on Friday.
A detailed analysis conducted by the state institution on human rights violations stemming from Panama’s decision to close several land crossings in the Darién Gap found that health conditions in nine border municipalities of Colombia, home to approximately 480,000 people, could be adversely affected.
“If the number of people in human mobility increases, the hospital network will collapse,” the Ombudsman warned. “Therefore, the institution of human rights urges the National Government and municipal and departmental health authorities to implement measures to prevent the potential rise in pathologies.”
According to the analysis, if the closures result in 10% to 20% of migrants staying in the Urabá-Darién region, there would be a significant population increase, especially in the municipalities of San Juan de Urabá, Arboletes, and San Pedro de Urabá. These areas already have precarious hospital systems, which could struggle to manage the increased spread of diseases and the associated strain on healthcare services.
Health Crisis in Border Regions
The report predicts an increase in the incidence of congenital syphilis by 5.7%, chikungunya and dengue by 5.2%, and leptospirosis by 4.7% per 1,000 inhabitants. A severe shortage of hospital beds exacerbates this situation. For instance, Turbo, one of the main departure points for migrants heading into the Darién jungle, currently has only 100 beds but would require an additional 461 to handle the increased demand.
“Realizing these restrictions in the subregion could trigger a humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting public health. It is crucial to address these issues comprehensively and with a humanitarian approach,” the Ombudsman emphasized.
This potential health crisis is a pressing concern not only for the affected municipalities but also for the broader region, which could see a ripple effect as migrants and residents alike face heightened health risks. The Colombian health system, already under strain from various endemic diseases, may find it challenging to cope with this sudden influx of patients requiring immediate and ongoing care.
Increased Border Closures and Migration Control
On Wednesday, the Panamanian government announced additional route closures in the Darién, the natural border between Colombia and Panama. The move aims to channel migratory flows through a “humanitarian route” and better protect migrants traversing the jungle. It also seeks to reduce the overall number of migrants passing through the treacherous terrain.
Last week, Panama’s National Border Service (Senafront) announced the closure of three routes, now joined by another “four or five” of the pathways used by migrants to exit the dangerous and mountainous jungle. Migrants often spend days crossing this area, facing hunger, lack of potable water, harsh weather conditions, wildlife, and threats from criminal gangs and armed groups controlling the region.
These closures come amid a significant flow of migrants through the Darién jungle. This year alone, over 195,000 people, mostly Venezuelans, have crossed, with more than 520,000 making the journey in 2023—a record number according to official Panamanian data.
Humanitarian Concerns and Policy Implications
Two months ago, the Colombian Ombudsman’s Office published an analytical study simulating the closure of the Darién Gap and its humanitarian impact. The study flagged severe risks to the right to health, documenting 502 health complaints between January 2020 and April 2024. This document was released before Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino took office, during which he announced his intention to “close” the migrant route through the Darién jungle. Given the vast natural barrier of over 500,000 hectares shared by Colombia and Panama, this is a challenging endeavor. It is the only point in the Americas not traversed by the Pan-American Highway or any other road.
Implementing such closures highlights the complex interplay between migration control and public health. As migrants become stranded in border regions, local resources are stretched thin, creating a fertile ground for the spread of diseases. This situation underscores the need for coordinated efforts between Colombia and Panama and international support to manage the migration flow and its health implications effectively.
Latin American Context and Future Prospects
In the broader Latin American context, the migration crisis in the Darién Gap reflects a region-wide challenge of managing large-scale human mobility while safeguarding public health. Countries throughout the region are grappling with similar issues as they balance the needs of migrants with those of their citizens.
Colombia’s immediate priority is to enhance healthcare infrastructure in border areas, ensuring that hospitals are adequately equipped and staffed to handle potential outbreaks. Long-term strategies include increasing investment in healthcare and fostering cross-border cooperation to develop comprehensive health monitoring and response systems.
Moreover, the situation calls for humanitarian organizations and international agencies to intervene, providing resources and expertise to mitigate the impact on public health. Efforts should also address the root causes of migration, such as economic instability and violence in migrants’ home countries, to reduce the pressure on transit and destination nations.
Also read: The Guna’s Struggle Against Climate Change in Panama
Panama’s recent border closures in the Darién Gap pose Colombia’s significant public health challenge. With the potential for the increased spread of endemic diseases, it is crucial for both countries to collaborate and implement measures to protect vulnerable populations. The Latin American region must continue seeking integrated solutions that address migration and public health concerns to ensure a safer and healthier future for all.
