Earthquake in Colombia: The AXA Foundation for Human Progress Takes Action Through the NGOs CARE and Médecins du Monde

To address the specific needs of affected populations during the current post-emergency and recovery phase, the AXA Foundation is providing support to its long-standing partners, the Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) CARE and Médecins du Monde.

Concrete Actions for the Most Affected Populations

Supporting teams and projects already on the ground ensures the rapid and effective deployment of committed resources.

CARE: Protecting the Most Vulnerable and Supporting the Local Economy

CARE is leveraging its field expertise to support residents of the hardest-hit Colombian departments. In responding to this crisis, three objectives have been identified:

• Safety and protection of populations against risks linked to displacement and the consequences of the earthquake: raising awareness of post-earthquake risks among approximately 10,000 people, establishing “SAFE SPACES” dedicated in particular to women and girls, and distributing emergency material kits and cash assistance;

• Restoring access to essential health services and psychosocial support: providing continuity of health services through mobile approaches coordinated with local authorities (medical consultations, psychological support, maternal and reproductive health services, and distribution of postpartum kits to vulnerable mothers);

• Safe, responsible, and market-based financial assistance for households affected by economic losses or loss of livelihoods, enabling them to prioritize their own urgent needs (food, housing, healthcare), preserving their dignity and autonomy while supporting the local economy.

Founded at the end of WWII, present in more than 100 countries, and having helped 58 million people in 2025, the NGO CARE delivers humanitarian aid to people affected by poverty and injustice around the world. CARE focuses on three major areas:  women’s rights, climate change, and humanitarian aid.

Médecins du Monde : Strengthening Access to Care, Health Facilities and Mental Health Support

True to its mission of international solidarity, Médecins du Monde operates in Colombia in direct coordination with ongoing institutional efforts. Through its local office, the organization is implementing two programs:

• Restoring access to essential healthcare services and strengthening the capacity of healthcare facilities and communities by: deploying 3 mobile medical teams, supplying healthcare facilities to ensure continuity of care, empowering healthcare workers (through training and support), and supporting community liaisons (to identify emergencies and address needs);

• Addressing mental health needs and providing psychosocial support through: psychological first aid (immediate intervention), individual consultations and group psychosocial support activities, and strengthening referral mechanisms to direct people toward specialized care.

The French NGO Médecins du Monde was founded in 1980. It operates in France and abroad to provide care to the most vulnerable populations, victims of armed conflicts and natural disasters, and those with no access to healthcare. It condemns violations of human dignity and human rights and advocates for improving the situation of vulnerable people.

Taking Immediate Action to Prepare for the Future

Through these two allocations, the AXA Foundation for Human Progress reaffirms its purpose:

On the ground, AXA Colpatria's teams mobilized immediately alongside the government, the local authorities and the federation of insurance players in Colombia. They dedicated their expertise, experience, but also their time and energy, to work for the needs of families and businesses alike, and for the reconstruction of the affected areas.