The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is working closely with Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) to respond to the severe flooding caused by heavy rains from Hurricane Melissa, which has led to significant loss of life and widespread destruction across several departments.
According to the Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC), the floods have claimed 26 lives, with 18 people missing and 17 injured. More than 1,000 homes have been inundated, 10 health facilities affected, and over 15,000 people displaced into temporary shelters.
PAHO/WHO field teams are currently supporting local authorities to maintain access to essential health services, prevent disease outbreaks, and assess urgent needs in shelters and health facilities. The organization has been conducting on-site visits across the hardest-hit departments to reinforce Haiti’s health response capacity.
At the request of Health Minister Dr. Bertrand Sinal, nearly two tons of medical supplies have been delivered to the Health Directorate of the Ouest department, bolstering the ability of health facilities to deliver emergency care. The delivery was made possible through the support of the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA).
In coordination with MSPP, PAHO/WHO and partners also carried out rapid health assessments in displacement sites in the Ouest department. During these visits, internally displaced persons (IDPs) received cholera prevention and awareness messages as part of a broader effort to prevent waterborne disease outbreaks.
Additional medical and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) supplies are being prepositioned to strengthen the country’s readiness for any potential increase in cholera cases following the floods. These will soon be distributed across all affected regions.
Despite ongoing efforts, health needs remain critical, with limited communication and road blockages hampering coordination and the delivery of assistance. Funding shortages are also creating challenges for the rapid rollout of key health interventions.
PAHO/WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Haitian government and working with national and local partners to safeguard public health and strengthen emergency response operations in communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa.
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