This photo taken with a mobile phone shows people protesting outside a courthouse, which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is brought to, in New York, the United States, on Jan. 5, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Venezuela denounced the impact of U.S. unilateral coercive measures on its health system during the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, saying they have affected access to medical supplies, medicines and equipment.

Mauricio Vega, Venezuela's vice Minister of Hospitals, told the World Health Organization forum that the restrictions have also affected the availability of health personnel, while defending the country's public health model based on equity and primary care.

"Health is a fundamental human right, not a commodity," Vega said.

He said Venezuela has experienced a decline in health personnel due to mass migration in recent years, but has strengthened training programs for new professionals.

Vega also warned of the resurgence of diseases that could affect the population amid structural limitations caused by U.S. sanctions.

Despite these challenges, Venezuela maintains policies aimed at ensuring universal access to health care and calls for the "total and unconditional elimination" of what it describes as inhumane unilateral coercive measures, he said.

The Venezuelan Health Ministry said the country's delegation to the 79th World Health Assembly, headed by Vega, would reaffirm its position on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the country.