A Humanitarian and Security Crisis Intensifying
Today, 5.5 million people in Haiti require humanitarian aid, nearly half the population, and these needs are likely to increase significantly in the coming weeks.
Recent coordinated attacks on key infrastructure in Port-au-Prince, carried out by organized gangs, have led to the release of thousands of detainees. These events have forced over 15,000 people to flee the capital, fearing they or their loved ones could become the next victims of gunfire, kidnappings, or sexual assault.
Médecins du Monde is Concerned About the Impact of These Dangerous and Stressful Situations on the Physical and Mental Health of Haiti’s Population.
In Port-au-Prince, where roads are blocked by improvised barricades, ambulances struggle to transport the injured to hospitals, and healthcare workers are unable to reach their workplaces. The health system is on the verge of collapse. Hospitals have been looted and ransacked, and some have been forced to close, while the number of injured continues to rise.
“Despite the political chaos currently unfolding in Haiti, we must not forget that the humanitarian situation is dire and alarming. This must also be taken into account in Canada’s diplomatic efforts, those of the international community, and the future transitional government in Haiti. The lives and futures of millions of people are at stake.”
– Manon Hourdin, Director of International Operations
The political, social, and economic crisis is exacerbating the humanitarian emergency. With no way to move around in many neighborhoods of the capital due to increased clashes, many have lost their means of earning a living. Under such conditions, hunger is worsening for the 4.4 million Haitians facing acute food insecurity. Women and girls, unable to meet their basic needs, are forced to turn to sexual exploitation, putting them at greater risk of abuse and early pregnancies. The risk of infectious diseases is also increasing due to the deterioration of health and sanitation systems, as well as problems with drinking water supplies.
Encouraging but Still Insufficient Efforts by the International Community
Médecins du Monde welcomes the Canadian government’s decision to provide financial support to Haiti and hopes that these funds will be used to address the population’s humanitarian needs. Key figures on the humanitarian situation in Haiti:
- Over 8,400 people were killed, injured, and/or kidnapped due to armed violence and gangs in 2023 (a 122% increase compared to 2022).
- From January to August 2023, rape cases increased by 49% compared to the same period in 2022.
- According to UNICEF, 3 million children will need humanitarian aid in 2024, particularly in response to food insecurity and the resurgence of cholera.
Médecins du Monde Canada has been present in Haiti since its founding in 1996. The organization implements humanitarian and development projects in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Population and civil society. Its activities include strengthening health institutions, training healthcare providers, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights – SRHR, psychosocial support for frontline staff, as well as emergency response (epidemics, natural disasters, etc.).