Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has announced the partial resumption of its medical activities in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area in Haiti, following a 22-day suspension due to repeated threats and violence against staff and patients.
The temporary halt in operations was a difficult decision, particularly in a city grappling with widespread violence and a severely weakened health system. Thousands of residents rely on limited and overwhelmed public and private health facilities for basic care. The suspension left many without access to critical medical services.
“These past three weeks have been especially painful,” said Jean-Marc Biquet, MSF head of mission in Haiti. “We had to suspend admissions of new patients, fully aware that many were unable to access the care they desperately needed. We are continuing our efforts to ensure that it is safe enough to fully resume our activities.”
Constructive dialogue with key stakeholders and involvement from authorities have allowed MSF to reopen hospitals in Tabarre, Carrefour, Cité Soleil, and the Pran Men’m clinic.
However, Biquet emphasized that risks remain high, particularly for ambulances, which remain grounded due to safety concerns. Turgeau Hospital will also remain closed until safe patient transfers to other facilities can be guaranteed.
“The seriousness of the attacks against MSF staff and ambulances forced us to take this step,” Biquet added. “Despite the commitments made by the authorities, the risks remain high, and our ability to continue our work in Haiti is uncertain as we move ahead. We call on all parties to respect our medical and humanitarian mission so that we can respond to medical needs to the full extent of our capacity.”
MSF is urging all parties to respect its staff, patients, and medical facilities to ensure the continuation of its vital services in Haiti, where the medical needs are immense and growing.
