Haiti: Gangs Maintain Almost No Health Sector in Capital

On Monday, gang violence was still keeping the health system in the Haitian capital almost non-existent, with citizens deprived of vital medical care.

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Due to attacks and looting by armed groups, only 20 percent of health centres are able to function.

Recently, Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and Population reported that 34 public and private sector health institutions were closed due to the violence.

In the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and the municipalities of Gonâve, Arcahaie, Cornillon, Croix-des-Bouquets, Fermathe, Léogâne and Petit-Goâve, health care facilities were operating at a slower pace due to problems with supplies and power.

The shooting has led to forced absenteeism of staff, and patients are prevented from reaching the clinics by the crossfire, she was quoted as saying by the Haiti Libre online newspaper.

Recently, the Haitian Medical Association called for respect for the right to health, which has been violated by the closure of state and private hospitals due to the growing wave of violence in the Caribbean country.

“The Haitian Medical Association, on behalf of all its members, wishes to raise its voice in this tumultuous and appalling situation that is disrupting the lives of all citizens of our nation,” a statement from the organisation said. a communiqué from the organisation stresses.

The right to health, that precious commodity, derived from the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and our Constitution, responds to the greatest aspirations of mankind since its origins, the note points out.

“The peaceful search for solutions that respond to the wishes of the Haitian people and respect for the inalienable rights of all people without distinction and, in particular, of health institutions and personnel is vital,” the association said.

Health is a primordial need for women, children, men, young people and the elderly in our country, for the well-being and security of all is at stake, the association said in its statement.