PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) — The Government of Haiti has dispatched a humanitarian medical mission to Venezuela to assist victims of the devastating earthquakes that struck the South American country on June 24, despite the economic and security challenges facing the French-speaking Caribbean nation.

The mission, led by Haiti’s Minister of Public Health and Population, Dr Sinal Bertrand, arrived in Venezuela on Tuesday with a team of 29 specialist physicians and 5.5 tonnes of medical supplies to support relief and recovery efforts.

Venezuela is continuing to grapple with the aftermath of twin earthquakes that authorities say killed 3,685 people, injured more than 16,700 others and left thousands missing.