In Port-au-Prince, 18 health facilities have been closed, profoundly affecting access to care for 73% of the metropolitan area’s population. Several health centres are facing severe shortages of medical supplies. This situation, combined with the inability to move freely, has seriously compromised the ability of healthcare staff to provide essential care, particularly impacting vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those suffering from chronic illnesses.
Living conditions in displacement sites and violence
Instability has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their neighbourhoods. In June 2024, a total of 578,074 people were displaced, seeking refuge in spontaneous shelter sites, leading to overcrowding in these locations.
“In these makeshift camps, water, hygiene, and sanitation conditions are poor. People are exposed to diseases such as cholera. There is a real fear of epidemic outbreaks in these places. Not to mention the overcrowding, which increases the risk of gender-based violence.” – Head of Mission for MdM Canada
The current crisis is worsening sexual and reproductive health problems, particularly for women and young people, and exacerbating existing violence. Between January and October 2023, 3,056 cases of rape were recorded, a 49% increase compared to the previous year, primarily perpetrated by armed men and members of criminal gangs (according to the GBV sub-cluster).
Mental health
The current and past crises in Haiti are major sources of stress, which can lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress and panic attacks. Living through such abnormal situations deeply affects people, whether in Port-au-Prince or in provincial towns.
“As human beings, we are all affected, directly or indirectly, by these events. Fortunately, habits are changing. Citizens are increasingly consulting psychologists, and institutions are trying to facilitate access to telephone consultations.” – Psychologist from Médecins du Monde Canada in Haiti.
With the support of the Ministère des Relations Internationales et de la Francophonie (MRIF) and Nouveau Québec sans frontières (NQSF), Médecins du Monde has developed a mental health and psychosocial support project. Three psychologists provided training, discussions, support groups for frontline healthcare staff, and individual consultations as needed.
Situation in the northwest of the country
In the northwest of the country, although the situation is more stable, access to care, medication, and the protection of sexual and reproductive health rights remains difficult for remote populations. Community activities help raise awareness and mobilise populations to effectively respond to the needs of the most vulnerable. For example, when faced with a health or hygiene issue, the population must first be informed and then made aware to prepare them for a change in behaviour. These activities aim to create resilient communities capable of identifying their own problems and responding to them independently. In Port-de-Paix, where access to health and other basic services is limited, these initiatives are crucial to helping marginalised populations overcome future challenges.
Insufficient funding to address the crisis
Faced with these growing humanitarian needs, Haiti requires increased support from the international community and its partners. In 2023, only 38% of the necessary aid was collected from international partners, which is largely insufficient for this multisectoral humanitarian crisis. Haiti must be able to rely on this assistance to emerge from the complex and multidimensional crisis it is experiencing.
Commitment of Médecins du Monde
Médecins du Monde has been present in Haiti for nearly 30 years. We continue to work in the fields of health, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, as well as in strengthening the capacities of health personnel and facilities. We also support staff in mental health and psychosocial support. In collaboration with polyvalent community health workers (ASCP) and other partners, we strive to meet the health needs of local communities despite security challenges.