As violence intensifies across Haiti, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is calling for the urgent protection of medical facilities and health services.
Armed groups targeting healthcare centers have placed the country’s already fragile system under unprecedented strain, severely limiting access to critical care.
More than 700,000 people have been displaced by the ongoing violence. In December, the partial destruction of Bernard Mevs Hospital in Port-au-Prince dealt a significant blow to healthcare capacity. “The attack on Bernard Mevs Hospital is a tragic blow to Haiti’s already fragile healthcare system. I am deeply concerned about the escalating violence and stand in solidarity with Haiti’s health community,” PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said. “Protecting healthcare facilities, patients, health workers, equipment, and medical activities is essential.”
The crisis forced Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to suspend operations in the capital for three weeks, leaving Hôpital Universitaire La Paix as the last public hospital in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area capable of managing mass casualties. Despite limited resources and a volatile environment, the hospital continues to serve an increasing number of patients.
Continued support amid the crisis
To support Haiti’s healthcare system, PAHO has worked with the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) and humanitarian partners, delivering over 38 tons of essential medicines and medical supplies in 2024. The organization also facilitated the deployment of MSPP mobile clinics, which have conducted more than 9,000 consultations in sites for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Haiti’s ongoing cholera outbreak, which resurfaced in October 2022, remains a pressing concern. While suspected cases have decreased nationwide, localized outbreaks persist, especially in overcrowded IDP sites. PAHO and MSPP have implemented water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives to prevent the disease’s spread and continue proactive surveillance to mitigate future outbreaks.
PAHO’s support has been crucial for Hôpital Universitaire La Paix, where over 21,000 patients have received free emergency care in 2024. Essential medicines provided by PAHO have enabled the hospital to offer reduced-cost C-sections and free services to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and IDPs.
Collaborative efforts by PAHO
PAHO’s efforts are supported by partnerships with the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Together, these organizations ensure the provision of critical medical supplies, health worker training, and the continued operation of vital health services in Haiti’s most affected areas.
As Haiti faces mounting challenges, PAHO remains committed to strengthening the country’s health infrastructure and addressing the immediate and long-term needs of its population.
