Healthcare in Haiti under attack by armed gangs
In the picture: UNFPA-supported mobile health team visits a site for displaced people near Haïti’s capital Port-au-Prince.
Hospitals in
Haiti's capital have come under
increasing attack by armed gangs, with some being looted amidst the
ongoing turmoil, the UN humanitarian coordination office, OCHA, reported on Wednesday.
Two healthcare facilities in Port-au-Prince were forced to shut
down, while two others remain closed despite plans to reopen, after being
shuttered due to the rising violence.
Only La Paix
University Hospital remains operational in the capital area, and it has come
under significant strain due to rising demand for its services.
The Delmas 18
Hospital and Saint Martin health centre were both looted on 26 and 27 of March.
PAHO, the
UN-administered Pan American Health Organization, is providing it with essential
supplies such as medicines, fuel, and logistical assistance to help it keep
services going.
Pharmacies
raided
According to OCHA,
armed groups have also targeted and raided some 10 pharmacies in Haiti's
capital, severely hindering public access to medications.
Rising violence
has also affected the work of HIV and tuberculosis service sites. Local UNAIDS services are collaborating with
Haiti's Health Ministry, with HIV testing being prioritized.
Amid a
political vacuum, Haiti’s powerful gangs have launched coordinated attacks on
various targets since February, including police stations, prisons, airports,
and seaports, resulting in the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry three
weeks ago.
While a state
of emergency is in effect, a transitional government has yet to be established.
On Tuesday the
World Food Programme (WFP) distributed hot meals to over 28,000 people in the
capital and last week the UN health agency (WHO), children’s agency (UNICEF) and local partners carried out nearly
600 consultations in displacement sites.