Crisis in Venezuela Impacts Children’s Well-being

• World Vision warns of declining child well-being amid recent tensions in the country
• Sharp increase in food prices worsens food insecurity
• More than half of families have reduced meal portions to prioritize children and the elderly
• World Vision urges comprehensive protection for children and warns of deteriorating mental health

Caracas, January 22, 2026 — Humanitarian and development organization, World Vision, conducted a rapid assessment between January 6 and 13 among households in Venezuela to evaluate the impact of the current social crisis on the lives of children and their families. The findings reveal a significant rise in food insecurity, emotional distress among children, and weakening protective environments in a context marked by high levels of stress and concern.

Sharp rise in prices deepens hunger

Although 65% of households surveyed reported being able to meet their basic food needs, a concerning 34% indicated that at least one family member went to bed without eating.

Furthermore, 54.8% of adults reported reducing portion sizes or meal frequency to prioritize food for children and the elderly—clear evidence of nutritional stress.

In January, food prices skyrocketed, and the trend worsened following recent military events. A kilogram of beef sold for around $12 in December is now being sold in some establishments for up to $25. Likewise, the price of a 900g bag of powdered milk doubled—from $11 in December to $20 in January.

The International Monetary Fund estimated inflation in Venezuela at 548% in 2025 and a currency devaluation of 414.39%, both factors directly affecting the cost of the basic food basket.

“Families’ resources—whether food or money—are being depleted, and persistent inflation is further exacerbating the already deteriorated nutritional situation of children in the country,” said Shirley Hidalgo, World Vision Operations Director for Venezuela and Colombia, where 7 out of 10 households live in poverty.

For this reason, World Vision makes an urgent call to ensure the humanitarian funding and safe access needed to strengthen food security and protection for children and families in Venezuela.

Weakening of protective environments

World Vision’s assessment also reveals a direct relationship between the climate of uncertainty and increased household tensions. Twenty-six percent of families reported experiencing incidents of domestic violence during the assessment period.

“When caregivers’ emotional resources are depleted due to stress, some react with violence toward the most vulnerable household members,” Hidalgo emphasized. The fact that this percentage was recorded over such a short period indicates acute violence—a critical risk to child protection, according to the study.

World Vision urges the international community to reinforce child protection mechanisms, expand psychosocial support for families and children, and ensure financing to deliver humanitarian support prioritizing the safety, nutrition, and emotional well-being of children in Venezuela.

Children showing signs of trauma and reactive anxiety

Instability is also affecting the mental health of children and adolescents. Fifty-six percent reported experiencing emotional distress, expressed through sleep disturbances, anxiety, and eating dysregulation, including loss of appetite.
The speed at which these symptoms emerged suggests exposure to high-intensity traumatic events over a short period.

Instances of physical or verbal violence against children by caregivers were reported even within the first 72 hours of the assessment timeframe, reflecting how social and geopolitical tension translates directly into household dynamics.

The organization reiterates its commitment to continue monitoring the situation and supporting the most vulnerable communities through humanitarian work and protection programs.

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For further information contact: Marielos_Romero@wvi.org Regional Coordinator of Communications, Mayerly_Sanchez@wvi.org External Engement Manager WV Colombia

World Vision is a humanitarian and development organization dedicated to the comprehensive protection of children in the most vulnerable contexts. We serve children in more than 100 countries around the world and in 15 nations across Latin America and the Caribbean.