Médecins Sans Frontières announced the suspension of all its medical activities in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, after a series of threats and attacks targeting its staff and ambulances
This decision follows an escalation of violence, including a particularly serious incident that occurred on November 11, when the ambulance Doctors Without Borders (MSF) was attacked, leading to the death of two patients and attacks on medical staff.
The following weeks were marked by repeated threats from members of the Haitian police force. These threats include warnings of death and rape, as well as direct attacks on MSF vehicles. On November 12, two ambulances were intercepted by the Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI), and police threatened to kill the team members in the coming days.
A week later, an MSF driver was verbally assaulted by plainclothes police, and on November 17, an ambulance carrying a patient was stopped by SWAT officers, threatening to execute the patient. On November 18, an armed police officer intercepted a Médecins Sans Frontières vehicle, threatening to execute and burn the organization’s staff and patients.
Faced with these attacks, MSF made the difficult decision to suspend all admissions of new patients to its five medical facilities in Port-au-Prince, as well as patient transfers, as of November 20. Only patients already hospitalized will continue to receive care. Medical activities in the south of the country, particularly in Port-à-Piment, are not affected by this suspension.
Christophe Garnier, MSF head of mission in Haiti, expressed his dismay at the situation: “In Haiti, as elsewhere, we are used to working in conditions of extreme insecurity. But when even law enforcement becomes a direct threat, we have no choice but to suspend our plans. » He added that every day of suspension represents a tragedy, as MSF remains one of the few providers of medical services in a country where health infrastructure is extremely limited.
MSF reminds that its teams provide care to anyone based on their medical needs, without distinction of race, gender or status. Each week, the organization cares for an average of more than 1,100 outpatient patients, as well as survivors of sexual violence and burn victims, among other vulnerable groups.
This marks a worrying milestone for humanitarian aid in Haiti, a country already facing major security challenges and a deep health crisis. MSF, present in Haiti for more than 30 years, remains committed to the Haitian population, but its capacity to intervene is now seriously limited by the growing insecurity.
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What are the implications of Médecins Sans Frontières suspending their medical activities in Port-au-Prince for Haiti’s healthcare system?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Humanitarian Issues in Haiti
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today. With the recent announcement from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) regarding the suspension of their medical activities in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, I believe it’s crucial to understand the broader implications of this situation. To discuss this, we have Dr. Lisa Harmon, a humanitarian expert with extensive experience in crisis zones. Dr. Harmon, can you start by providing some context on what led to MSF’s difficult decision?
Dr. Lisa Harmon (DLH): Thank you for having me. The decision by MSF to suspend all its medical activities in Port-au-Prince is indeed alarming and highlights an escalating crisis in Haiti. Over the past few weeks, MSF staff and ambulances have faced severe threats and violence, including a tragic incident where two patients lost their lives during an ambulance attack. The rising aggression from police forces adds a layer of distress; when those tasked with upholding safety become the perpetrators of threats, it creates a nearly impossible environment for humanitarian work.
TNE: That’s a sobering assessment. What does this suspension mean for the people of Haiti who rely heavily on MSF for medical care?
DLH: It’s devastating. MSF has been one of the few organizations providing crucial medical services in a country that is already plagued by a dire health crisis and limited infrastructure. With the suspension, new patients will not receive care, and only those already hospitalized will be treated. This decision translates to thousands of individuals, including vulnerable groups such as survivors of sexual violence and burn victims, being further deprived of necessary medical attention.
TNE: Christophe Garnier, MSF’s head of mission in Haiti, mentioned that every day of suspension represents a tragedy. Can you elaborate on what this might look like on the ground?
DLH: Certainly. Each day that MSF is unable to operate means that essential medical treatments, vaccinations, and care for chronic conditions go unaddressed. This could lead to an uptick in morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in a population already vulnerable due to lack of access to healthcare. The health sector in Haiti is under tremendous strain, and MSF is a key player—without them, the ramifications will be felt across communities, potentially leading to preventable deaths.
TNE: The article mentioned repeated threats from police, including direct attacks on vehicles. How common is this type of violence against humanitarian workers in conflict zones?
DLH: Unfortunately, violence against humanitarian workers has become increasingly common in many conflict-affected areas. While health workers are traditionally considered neutral parties, the chaotic nature of armed conflict can lead to misunderstandings and dangerous encounters. In Haiti, the situation is particularly concerning due to the fragmentation of security and the breakdown of law enforcement, which should ideally protect healthcare providers.
TNE: Given this escalation in violence, what can the international community do to support organizations like MSF and the Haitian population?
DLH: The international community must advocate for the protection of humanitarian workers and ensure that they can operate safely. This includes increasing pressure on local authorities to uphold safety and security for aid organizations. Additionally, increased funding and support for local health initiatives are critical to building resilience in the healthcare system. It’s essential for global partners to stand in solidarity with the Haitian people and support their inherent right to medical care without fear of violence.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Harmon. This issue not only highlights the precarious situation in Haiti but also prompts broader questions about how humanitarian efforts can withstand such challenges. Your insights shed light on the urgent need for action. We hope for a resolution soon for those affected.
DLH: Thank you for having me, and I too hope for a swift improvement in the situation, particularly for the sake of those who are suffering and in need of care.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Harmon, for your valuable perspective. We’ll continue to follow this developing story closely.