A midwife originally from Oxford has provided critical medical assistance in Venezuela after the country experienced two major earthquakes.
Alessandra Morelli was sent to the South American nation as part of the UK Emergency Medical Team, a programme financed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and coordinated by UK-Med, a charitable organisation based in Manchester.
Ms Morelli arrived in Venezuela during July to assist medical facilities in La Guaira that had been overwhelmed by the disaster, helping establish a temporary field hospital at the affected location.
Speaking about the situation, she described widespread destruction across the region.
Many residents had lost their accommodation and could not reach medical services.
She emphasised the necessity of providing fundamental midwifery assistance even in emergency zones to prevent serious health complications, maternal and infant fatalities, and stillbirths.
The temporary medical facility was configured to assess as many as 100 individuals daily and contained vital pharmaceutical supplies and equipment.
Among the patients she supported was a new mother who required assistance with breastfeeding.
Ms Morelli explained that a woman attended the facility feeling unwell, and during examination it became apparent she needed basic breastfeeding guidance.
Following the seismic events, this standard postnatal care had become inaccessible to her.
After demonstrating hand expression techniques, the woman experienced improvement and could feed her infant more successfully.
Ms Morelli noted this illustrated how straightforward interventions can substantially benefit those affected by humanitarian crises.
The deployment to Venezuela marked her third mission with the UK Emergency Medical Team.
Previously, in 2023, she responded to earthquake damage in Turkey and subsequently travelled to Libya following extensive flooding triggered by Storm Daniel.
Her contributions during the Libyan emergency earned her recognition from King Charles, who presented her with the Humanitarian Medal.
Kirsty McNeill, the UK’s Minister for Development, expressed admiration for Ms Morelli and fellow humanitarian personnel.
She acknowledged individuals who venture into dangerous situations to assist others.
She stated that aid workers consistently deliver sustenance, medical treatment, shelter and security to communities experiencing emergencies.
The Minister added that the United Kingdom maintains partnerships with local responders and established international organisations when disasters occur, merging expertise and resources to reach those most requiring support.
Ms Morelli highlighted the significance of collaboration with domestic medical professionals.
She noted that local physicians, physiotherapists and language specialists participated in the operations in Venezuela.
These professionals possess intimate knowledge of their communities and understand what residents require.
Establishing such partnerships promptly and cooperating effectively maximises the number of people who can be helped, she explained.
She identified the determination demonstrated by affected populations as her primary inspiration.
Witnessing how local residents unite to support one another during difficult periods provides considerable encouragement, she observed.