The Crisis in Haiti: Doctors of the World appeals for the populace’s protection and access to humanitarian aid

Haiti has been rocked by a new outbreak of violence that is weakening a humanitarian and healthcare situation that was already at critical levels. Since October 2024, there has been an increase in attacks and violence, especially in the Ouest and Artibonite departments. Doctors of the World is warning of (and is very concerned about) a further deterioration in security and the corresponding humanitarian and healthcare consequences. The organization is appealing for the protection of the Haitian population; guaranteed access to humanitarian aid and healthcare services; and increased international aid. 

“We are very concerned about intensifying violence that targets not only civilians but also healthcare missions, especially when there is a crucial need for access to healthcare services. It is imperative that personnel and infrastructure are protected, and that the humanitarian response – intended to meet the vital and urgent needs of a population that is largely deprived of essential aid – is strengthened. Our work must not be hindered, thwarted or attacked,” said Doctors of the World’s Haitian head of mission. 

The healthcare sector is being targeted 

Doctors of the World condemns – strongly – violence that targets healthcare personnel, patients and infrastructures. These attacks – in combination with widespread insecurity and the population’s increasing needs – seriously compromise access to essential healthcare services, resulting in significantly reduced healthcare access for Haitians. In the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area less than half of healthcare facilities are operating at maximum capacity. 

Humanitarian and healthcare needs are intensifying 

The violence, attacks and clashes witnessed in recent weeks have forced tens of thousands of people to hurriedly vacate their homes: According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the total number of displaced people as of October 2024 was more than 703,000, among whom half were children. Even though most can find refuge in their community, a growing number have been forced to enter displacement camps where health and safety conditions are substandard. The displacement camps – characterized by overcrowding, significant promiscuity and limited access to water and basic sanitation – increase health risks like epidemics, respiratory infections and sexual violence. 

“In only two weeks we’ve seen extraordinary movement of internally displaced people due to armed violence, and the creation of 13 new camps in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area​​. This is aggravating a humanitarian crisis that is already at critical levels with the closure of approximately 15 healthcare buildings (including State University of Haiti Hospital) and still-functional establishments being overwhelmed (such as La Paix University Hospital),” said Doctors the World’s Haitian country coordinator. 

Inadequate humanitarian response 

Despite a significant increase in humanitarian needs, and with more than half of Haitians suffering from food insecurity, the international community’s response continues to be inadequate in addressing the situation’s urgency. Only 43% of the needs that were identified in the country’s 2024 humanitarian response plan had been addressed by the end of November. The incidents of November 11, 2024 that led to the closure of Toussaint Louverture International Airport and the suspension of several humanitarian flights to Port-au-Prince seriously compromise humanitarian organizations’ ability to provide essential services and further accentuate Haiti’s isolation – and particularly its capital city’s – every day. 

Doctors of the World is calling upon all concerned stakeholders to guarantee the necessary protection of humanitarian and healthcare personnel, as well as medical infrastructure and supplies. Doctors of the World is also appealing to the international community to strengthen its support for the humanitarian response in Haiti. 

Doctors of the World in Haiti 

Present in Haiti for close to 30 years, Doctors of the World works in several domains: healthcare, sexual and reproductive rights, mental health, providing personnel with protection and capacity-building, and protecting the infrastructure of the healthcare system. In collaboration with Multipurpose Community Health Workers (ASCPs) and its partners, Doctors of the World responds to the healthcare needs of local communities and facilitates access to healthcare despite a challenging security situation. 

Photographs: 

Richard PIERRIN AFP