November 17, 2024
Mpox in the DRC: A Persistent Epidemic, Doctors of the World Stays Committed
Haiti finds itself deep in a complicated political and security crisis that has significantly heightened the country’s humanitarian needs. Although the dangers associated with armed gang activity are primarily concentrated in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding area, its impact is felt throughout the country, particularly regarding the food supply chain, other essential commodities and access to medical care.
Eighteen healthcare buildings have been closed in Port-au-Prince, dramatically affecting medical access for 73% of the metropolitan area’s population. Several healthcare centers are dealing with significant shortages of medical supplies. The situation – combined with the population’s restricted freedom of movement – has compromised healthcare workers’ capacity to provide essential care. This is especially worrisome for vulnerable segments of the populace, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those who are suffering from chronic illnesses.
Living conditions in displaced persons camps, and the threat of violence
Instability has led to hundreds of thousands having fled their homes. As of June 2024, there were 578,074 displaced people who were seeking refuge in pop-up reception sites, inevitably leading to overcrowding.
“Water, hygiene and sanitation conditions are poor in these makeshift camps; people find themselves exposed to diseases like cholera, and there is a genuine fear of epidemic outbreaks. There is also promiscuity, which increases the risk of gender-based violence.”
The current crisis heightens sexual and reproductive health problems, notably among women and young people, and exacerbates already-present violence. Between January and October 2023, there were 3,056 rape cases recorded, a 49% increase compared to the previous year and mainly perpetrated by armed men and members of criminal gangs (according to the GBV – Gender Based Violence – sub-cluster).
Mental health
Haiti’s past and present crises are major sources of stress and can lead to post-traumatic symptoms and panic attacks. Experiencing (and enduring) such abnormal situations deeply affects Haitians, whether they live in Port-au-Prince or in the provincial towns.
“As sentient human beings we’re all affected, whether directly or indirectly, by these events. Fortunately, things are changing. People are becoming more likely to consult a psychologist, and healthcare institutions are trying to facilitate access to consultations by phone.”
With support from the Ministry of International Relations and la Francophonie (MIRF) and Nouveau Québec sans frontières (NQSF), Doctors of the World developed a project devoted to psychosocial support and mental health. Three psychologists offered training, lectures and discussion groups for front-line healthcare staff, along with individual consultations when required.
The situation in Haiti’s northwest region
Although the situation is comparatively more stable in Haiti’s northwest region, access to healthcare and medicine, and maintaining sexual and reproductive health rights, remains difficult in remote areas. Community activities help raise awareness and mobilize people to effectively respond to the needs of the most vulnerable. For instance, when faced with a health or hygiene problem, the first step is to inform the public, followed by raising awareness so they will be prepared for potential behavioural change. These activities aim to create resilient communities; communities that are capable of independently identifying problems and responding accordingly. In Port-de-Paix – where access to healthcare and other basic services is limited – these initiatives are crucial towards helping marginalized sectors of the population and enabling them to overcome whatever future challenges they might face.
Dealing with the crisis is hindered by insufficient funding
Haiti’s increasing humanitarian needs mean the country requires more support from the international community and its partners. In 2023, only 38% of the necessary aid was collected from international partners, not enough to address this multi-tiered humanitarian crisis. Haiti must be able to count on this aid being available to emerge from the complex and multidimensional plight it is experiencing.
Doctors of the World’s commitment
Doctors of the World has been active in Haiti for close to 30 years, working in the realms of healthcare, nutrition, and sexual and reproductive health; improving healthcare personnel’s competencies and the facilities within which they work; and providing psychosocial and mental health support. Collaborating with Haiti’s “ASCP” (Agents de Santé Communautaire Polyvalents – multipurpose community healthcare workers) and other partners, Doctors of the World strives to meet the healthcare needs of local communities, despite ever-present security challenges.