Colombia

Colombia’s health situation in 2026 remains under significant strain, driven by conflict, disasters and persistent structural gaps that limit access to essential services, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas. An estimated 6.2 million people will require health assistance, with 4.8 million facing critical needs. Across 60% of the country, health systems are under pressure, with severe shortages of supplies, personnel and hospital capacity contributing to preventable illness, maternal and perinatal risks, and rising mental health and chronic disease burdens.

The Health Cluster response prioritizes restoring essential services in the most affected departments through a localized, complementary approach that combines support to existing structures with direct service delivery. Intersectoral action, strengthened community engagement and improved surveillance are central to ensuring timely and effective responses in high-severity areas.

In parallel, the Cluster is advancing a more integrated and locally driven model under a broader humanitarian reset, strengthening national ownership, coordination and alignment with public systems. Through territorial health platforms and partnerships across sectors, the response aims to deliver more sustainable, accountable and inclusive health services to the most vulnerable populations.

2026 Humanitarian Response Plan

Map disclaimer: Data source: WHO. Map production: WHO/Health Emergencies Programme. @ WHO 2021. All rights reserved.

Ángela Ángela
Health Cluster Coordinator
alarconang@paho.org

National team: 3
Coordinator: 3 PT
Information management officer: 0 PT
Public health officer:  0
Communications officer: 0
Other: 0
Subnational hubs: 25

Partners: 99
International NGOs: 29
National NGOs: 40
UN agencies: 9
National authorities: 8
Donors: 6
Observers: 3
Others: 4