Queen Letizia of Spain bid farewell Wednesday to a medical mission traveling to Venezuela to assist victims of recent earthquakes [1].

The deployment represents a critical humanitarian effort to stabilize a region struggling with urgent health needs and damaged infrastructure. By establishing a field hospital, Spain aims to provide immediate life-saving interventions in areas where local facilities may be compromised.

The mission consists of 44 medical professionals from the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID) and approximately 20 volunteers from NGOs, including Médicos del Mundo [1]. In total, 64 personnel departed from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport [1].

Upon landing in Valencia, Venezuela, the team will install a field hospital designed to provide primary emergency care, and surgical procedures [2]. The facility will also offer psychological support and assistance with childbirth [2].

During the send-off, Queen Letizia addressed the team regarding the nature of their mission. "Acompañáis con profesionalidad y mucho cariño," the queen said [3].

She also acknowledged the potential hardships the team would face in the disaster zone. "Que vaya lo mejor posible teniendo en cuenta la dureza y las dificultades esperables," she said [4].

The royal presence emphasized the scale of the crisis and the importance of international cooperation. "Acompañáis y ayudáis a quienes sufren," she said [5].

“"Acompañáis con profesionalidad y mucho cariño"”

This deployment underscores the role of the AECID in Spanish foreign policy, utilizing medical diplomacy to provide relief in crisis zones. The inclusion of both government professionals and NGO volunteers suggests a hybrid response strategy intended to maximize the speed and versatility of the emergency care provided to Venezuelan earthquake victims.