The end of 50 years of armed conflict in Colombia: the consequences of antipersonnel mines

Abstract

Among the great tragedies produced by the armed conflict in Colombia, antipersonnel mines (MAP) have left their trail of pain, mainly due to the large number of victims affected both directly and indirectly. In the worst cases, MAP cause the death of its victims. Survivors have to deal with limb injuries and/or damage to vital structures. The Colombian health system is not trained to provide optimal health services for people affected by the armed conflict. The Colombian health system is not trained to guarantee optimal health services for people affected by the armed conflict. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) there are barriers to the provision of appropriate care for victims. These include lack of knowledge of their rights, lack of remuneration for FOSYGA, and lack of medical resources. All of these factors highlight the importance of (MAP) within the Colombian in public health services. According to the Directorate for Integral Action against Antipersonnel Mines (DAICMA), 11,472 people were affected by antipersonnel mines were documented from 1990 to 2016. 1,165 victims were minors and 243 were fatalities. The departments of Antioquia, Meta and Caquetá have the highest number of accident and event figures due to MAP and unexploded ordnance (MUSE).