Earthquake in Haiti: A major logistical challenge to assist survivors
In addition to health, economic, and environmental challenges, the response to this crisis represents a major logistical challenge. For several months, the sociopolitical situation in Haiti has been difficult, and road routes to deliver aid in the Nippes, Grande Anse, and the South are blocked. The most complex area is the Martissan axis, a mandatory passage between the capital and the Grand Sud, where gangs could endanger shipments. Although civil protection is clearing certain roads, we hope that a humanitarian corridor can be opened to allow aid to enter.
“The trauma experienced by the Haitian population during the 2010 earthquake left deep psychological scars that are resurfacing, not to mention the fear of a potential hurricane,” says Nicolas Demers-Labrousse, General Coordinator of Médecins du Monde Canada in Haiti. “In addition to roadblocks by armed gangs that complicate the passage of humanitarian convoys, it is difficult to reach some remote communities living in small, inaccessible villages that have been completely devastated. Access to health care was already difficult; it is even more so now,” he adds.
The reality is that there has been little respite in Haiti recently. The escalation of violence over the past year, which prevented the population from receiving medical assistance as they risked their lives trying to reach health centers, has been compounded by the now-historic political instability and the recent assassination of the country’s president. This is further aggravated by all kinds of shortages in one of the poorest and most neglected countries in the world, far from the interest of the international community.
Despite the complexity of the challenges, Médecins du Monde reaffirms its commitment to working with the most marginalized communities to ensure their right to health, especially in times of crisis. “Men anpil, chay pa lou. The Creole proverb says that unity is strength. It is in unity and solidarity that we will find solutions. Teams from our delegations in Canada, Spain, Switzerland, and Argentina are operating in the country.
Media contacts:
Mélissa Cabana
Senior Communications Advisor
Médecins du Monde Canada
Cell: 514 799-8985
melissa.cabana@medecinsdumonde.ca