Gang violence in the regions where we provide care has seriously disrupted our operations. Kidnapping has become a daily, almost indiscriminate hazard. Even people who cannot pay any kind of ransom are targeted, to say nothing of professionals.
The Haitian National Police (PNH) have proven unable to stop the violence, and police officers have themselves been targeted by gangs with several brutal murders occurring in the past few weeks. The U.N. estimates that at least 60% of the capital is now under gang control, with higher percentages in more rural areas of the country where our teams provide care. Our staff are spending the night on the grounds of facilities to stay safe, and fall asleep hearing gunshots around them.
Zanmi Lasante, as PIH is known in Haiti, is a Haitian organization led and staffed by Haitians. We are not going anywhere. But in a rare moment in our 40-year history, and in order to keep our patients and colleagues as safe as possible, we are currently forced to curtail some operations at some of our facilities. To protect patients and staff, we are referring patients to other clinics and hospitals in our large network, including Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais (HUM) in the Central Plateau.
It is no surprise that HUM is functioning as a backstop in a time of crisis. The hospital we are celebrating tomorrow, and that has been the site of so many groundbreaking accomplishments over the past decade, was born out of crisis. Currently, it still stands as a beacon of hope and a pillar of stability for all of Haiti.
There is much we can’t include in this email, including steps we’re taking to keep patients and staff safe, as well as details about how we’re keeping care available. Please, RSVP to join tomorrow’s event so you can get the full picture >>
The Zanmi Lasante team is operating under extreme threat to keep health care available in Haiti, right when it is needed most, and your support has been essential to their continued success. Thank you.
In solidarity,
Partners In Health
