“We are deeply concerned by the escalation of violence targeting not only civilians but also medical missions, at a time when the population urgently needs access to health services. It is imperative to protect staff and infrastructure, strengthen the humanitarian response to meet the vital and urgent needs of a population largely deprived of essential aid. Our work must not be hindered, prevented, or attacked,” said the Head of Mission of Médecins du Monde in Haiti.
The health sector under attack
Médecins du Monde strongly condemns the violence targeting healthcare workers, patients, and health facilities. These attacks, combined with widespread insecurity and the growing needs of the population, seriously compromise access to essential health services. As a result, the Haitian population’s access to healthcare is significantly reduced. In the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince, less than half of health facilities are operating at full capacity.
“In just two weeks, we have witnessed a massive displacement of internally displaced persons due to armed violence and the creation of 13 new sites in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince.”
Exacerbated humanitarian and health needs
In addition to direct violence, attacks and clashes in recent weeks have forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes quickly, bringing the total number of displaced persons to over 703,000 before October 2024, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Half of them are children. While most find refuge within the community, a growing number of people are forced to join displacement sites where sanitary and security conditions are deplorable. These sites, characterized by overcrowding, significant promiscuity, and limited access to water and basic sanitation facilities, amplify health risks, such as epidemics, respiratory infections, and sexual violence.
“In just two weeks, we have witnessed a massive displacement of internally displaced persons due to armed violence and the creation of 13 new sites in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. This situation worsens an already critical humanitarian crisis, marked by the closure of around fifteen health facilities, including the University Hospital of the State University of Haiti, and by the overcrowding of still-functional facilities, such as the University Hospital La Paix,” said the Country Coordinator of Médecins du Monde in Haiti.
Inadequate humanitarian response
Despite a significant increase in humanitarian needs, with more than half of the Haitian population suffering from food insecurity, the international community’s response remains insufficient to address the urgency of the situation. By the end of November, only 43% of the needs identified in the country’s 2024 humanitarian response plan had been met.
Since the incidents of November 11, 2024, the closure of Toussaint Louverture International Airport and the suspension of several humanitarian flights to Port-au-Prince have seriously compromised the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide essential services, further increasing Haiti’s isolation, particularly in its capital.
Médecins du Monde calls on all relevant actors to ensure the necessary protection for humanitarian and healthcare personnel, as well as for medical infrastructure and assets. The organization also calls on the international community to strengthen its support for the humanitarian response in Haiti.
Médecins du Monde in Haiti
Present in Haiti for nearly 30 years, Médecins du Monde works in the fields of health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, mental health, protection, and capacity-building for healthcare staff and infrastructure. In collaboration with polyvalent community health workers (ASCP) and its partners, the organization addresses the health needs of local communities and facilitates their access to care, despite a complex security context.
Photo: AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph