In 2023, the humanitarian situation in Haïti has deteriorated sharply due to a confluence of political gridlock, economic recession, inflation, and escalating violence. This multi-faceted crisis has led to an unprecedented situation that has been exacerbated by the activities of armed groups, particularly in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. As a result, internal displacement and widespread attacks on the population have become alarmingly common.
In addition to the unrest in Haïti, several factors have contributed to the worsening of the crisis. The Metropolitan Zone of Port-au-Prince (ZMPAP) remains a hotspot for violence, with some 194,000 people displaced, including 1,400 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in ZMPAP—a 2% increase since March 2023, according to the IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM).
In early July, a hospital operated by an international organization in the region was attacked, further complicating access to health services. Haïti's ongoing economic recession —spanning three years, traps more than 90% of the population in poverty. An alarming 48% increase in inflation has eroded purchasing power and exacerbated the difficulty of affording health care, medication, food, and other essentials.
The presence of gangs near the Varreux terminal and major north-south routes poses a significant threat to the oil supply chain, resulting in an average daily loss of 45,000 liters. This situation has a significant impact on fuel prices and exacerbates shortages of essential goods such as water and telecommunications services.
Humanitarian Impact:
Armed violence, direct interference in humanitarian operations, and deteriorating road conditions have significantly hampered humanitarian access. Despite these challenges, access remains possible through sustained community engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders in hard-to-reach areas.
In assessing the gaps in health services, the main issues identified included limited funding, lack of health workers, limited access to basic services, attacks on health facilities, unavailability of blood products, and lack of active health partners on the ground. In addition, there is no funding for emergency preparedness and partner engagement is remarkably low, indicating urgent challenges that require attention and action.
As of June 2023, alarming figures emerged from health assessments. Approximately 33,450 children (6 to 59 months) were screened for malnutrition, revealing concerning rates of severe and moderate wasting. Furthermore, a resurgence of cholera in October 2022 sparked a rapid spread of the disease, reaching over 58,230 suspected cases by August 2023 with 823 confirmed deaths. Access to clean water remains limited, contributing to the spread of cholera.
Reported Suspected Cholera Cases in Haïti by Department as of 5 August 2023 Source: Haïti Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population (MSPP). Data generated by PAHO/WHO
Critical circumstances in Haïti have forced more and more people to leave the country. This has led to the closure of numerous health facilities, leaving thousands of people without health services. The situation has been exacerbated by a significant shortage of trained personnel, as many health workers have fled the country due to the crisis.
On 14 April 2023, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee activated the System-wide Scale up and on 12 May 2023, the Health Cluster was activated. These two events contributed to a surge in expert coordination capacity to support humanitarian response. A Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) released in March 2023 planned to provide health services to 1.8 million people; the resources needed were estimated at $30.7 million. However, only 26% of the required funds have been secured.
The Haïti Health Cluster has supported the following activities through international and local partners in collaboration with the Haitian government.
Prior to the activation of the Health Cluster in May 2023, coordination with health partners was challenging. The health cluster team brought together health stakeholders, 10 of whom are active health partners, to support the Ministry of Public Health and Populations (MSPP) and improve health outcomes for the affected population through timely, predictable, appropriate, and effective coordinated health interventions. The Health Cluster has also strengthened intersectoral coordination along with the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), WASH, Nutrition and Protection clusters.
- Health for Internally Displaced Persons
Due to the ongoing violence in ZMPAP vulnerable people have been forced to leave their homes and seek refuge. In addition to the security risk, IDPs also need shelter, food, and health services. The Health Cluster and MSPP are working with health partners to ensure that health services are available and accessible.
- Natural disaster preparedness
Haïti is a country with high seismic and hydrometeorological risks therefore, the deployment of health actors and health services will continue to support the MSPP in all districts, especially those most vulnerable with the aim to support preparedness and response activities related to natural disasters.
- Cholera outbreak response
Health Cluster and MSPP partners continue to support cholera response and are scaling up efforts in 132 of the 140 municipalities in close collaboration with WASH sector partners to ensure joint response and preparedness. Partners have established rapid response mechanisms to respond to outbreak peaks, such as those that occurred during the severe flooding in early June 2023, which affected five health facilities (3 in the West and 2 in the Southeast).
Significant efforts were made to address gender-based violence in collaboration with the GBV Working Group. In June, 450 survivors of gender-based violence were served, including medical and psychosocial assistance and emergency shelter. However, challenges remain, including the need for a comprehensive GBV information management system and improved coordination among stakeholders. The Health Cluster continues to work closely with the Protection Cluster and health partners to ensure a multi-sectoral response to GBV.
- Mental Health Support:
Haïti suffers from a severe shortage of qualified personnel and health structures to address mental health needs. A recent initiative by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) focused on training in psychological first aid (PSP) to address this gap and emphasize the importance of mental health in communities most affected by the ongoing crisis.
The humanitarian crisis in Haïti requires urgent and coordinated international action. The multi-faceted challenges, ranging from economic hardship to lack of health care to security threats, require a comprehensive approach to alleviate suffering and protect vulnerable populations. Immediate funding and concerted efforts are essential to address the critical needs of the population and ensure a more stable Haïti.
Given the prevailing circumstances, it is imperative that all stakeholders participate in an immediate and concerted international effort. The complex challenges of the crisis, ranging from economic hardship to inadequate health care to security gaps, underscore the indispensability of a comprehensive approach that alleviates suffering and protects the vulnerable. Rapid deployment of resources and collaborative efforts are essential to effectively address the needs of the Haitian people.
More Resources
Haiti Humanitarian Needs Overview 2023 (French)
Haiti Humanitarian Response Plan 2023 (French)
Haiti: Humanitarian Response Overview, Situation Report - July 2023
Haïti: Humanitarian Dashboard January - August 2023