September 2024 marks two years since Haiti’s humanitarian crisis reached critical levels due to the escalation of armed violence and territorial gang control. On February 29, 2024, a fresh wave of violence broke out. Gunmen targeted police stations and the international airport in what was regarded as a protest against unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Today, more than 200 gangs are operating in Haiti and the country’s health system has suffered greatly as a consequence. Many major hospitals, particularly in the capital Port-au-Prince, had to close, with no guarantee of safety for staff or patients amid the security crisis. Less than half of the health facilities in the country’s capital are operating at normal capacity, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and a UNICEF representative visiting the country heartbreakingly described its health system as being “on the verge of collapse.”

PAHO’s Work in Haiti

PAHO, however, has been working tirelessly to protect and support the health system in the region. Armed groups in Port-Au-Prince have drastically affected supply chains into Haiti. Cargo flights to the capital city’s airport suffered while the airport was in the hands of these groups, UNICEF reports. All hospitals in the country are struggling to obtain their usual supplies.

PAHO has donated a host of essential medicines, medical supplies, and equipment to strained health facilities. These donations have played a crucial role in ensuring that these facilities remain open and operational. PAHO’s work in Haiti, supporting the Ministry of Health (MSPP), has also meant that more than 38 tons of medical supplies could be transported from a stockpile in Panama to care for internally displaced peoples, according to the PAHO website.

Containers filled with supplies were held up by armed groups, or even looted. They have now been able to reach Haitian residents, with PAHO taking this transportation over for Port-au-Prince – the main logistical hub of the country – whilst it is overwhelmed by violence.

Supporting Those in Shelters

The outbreak of violence has meant that more than 37,000 Haitians are now displaced and spread across 23 camps in the Port-au-Prince borough. PAHO workers are on the ground in Haiti, providing psychological support to those displaced as they face the stigma of living in shelters, and exist in fear of the outbreak of epidemics like cholera.

PAHO has also provided key health services to those living in these make-shift camps. Skin infections and diarrheal diseases are especially common, and workers are on hand to provide indispensable treatment. Treating these ailments at the root will also help to ease some pressure off of local health services. The high number of displaced families is placing additional demand on hospitals in the southern area of Haiti especially, according to UNICEF.

Hygiene and Sanitation Products

PAHO’s distribution of hygiene and sanitation products in shelters is a vital step in ensuring that disease does not spread. Cramped, closed conditions in emergency shelters leave those living in them particularly vulnerable to the outbreak of epidemics. The organization has carried out epidemiological surveillance and vaccinations to reduce this pressing risk. A surge in cases of any disease would place yet more strain on Port-au-Prince’s health systems. PAHO’s work in Haiti is vital now more than ever, according to its website.

In July 2024, PAHO supported Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and Population to vaccinate more than 230,000 children against diphtheria. This recent success mirrors the organization’s clear commitment to disease control in Haiti.

Delivering Blood

The smooth-running of blood testing activities in Haiti was directly affected by the outbreak of violence. Haiti has previously struggled to meet its need for safe blood bags, yet delivery of blood products is essential for Port-au-Prince’s strained health system. Without them, surgery cannot go ahead safely, and maternal mortality becomes a critical issue.

PAHO has stepped in during the security crisis to deliver blood supplies. Deliveries to the National Blood Transfusion Center have allowed for vital blood work to resume.

Fuelling Port-au-Prince Ambulances

Political instability in Haiti has affected nationwide access to essential goods and services. Access to fuel has been reduced because of this, posing problems for the transportation of patients. To facilitate the continuation of ambulance services in the particularly strained Port-au-Prince area, PAHO has supplied fuel to the National Ambulance Center so that their service can continue to function, according to its website.

PAHO’s work in Haiti has helped many people struggling in times of political crisis and violence. The organization stated that it will continue its work in Haiti, hoping to strengthen and improve the current situation.

– Maeve Relihan

Maeve is based in Birmingham, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash