In 2024, Haiti faced a major humanitarian crisis, marked by growing gang violence, widespread population displacement, and climate crises. Over one million people, primarily women and children, were displaced and sought safety in congested displacement sites. These situations worsen women and girls’ vulnerabilities, making them even more vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV) and threats to their sexual and reproductive health.
Since then, the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Haiti has tripled in a year. More than one million people 55 per cent of them being women and girls, are currently displaced and require immediate protection, access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, shelter, food, water, sanitation, and hygiene.
On December 13, the maternity hospital Isaïe Jeanty in Croix-des-Bouquets, Ouest Department, reopened. The hospital had been shut down since it was destroyed during the February 2024 crisis. However, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) provided drugs and equipment to improve emergency obstetric care, clinical management of rape, and management of consequences from unsafe abortions.
Armed gang violence has increased and intensified significantly after November 11, 2024, accompanied by major political upheaval. The security situation has deteriorated, with an upsurge in kidnappings and homicides. As a result, many health facilities have closed or substantially restricted their operations. Only one-third of the health facilities in the capital, Port-au-Prince, are fully operational and impossible for women and girls to access due to security concerns.
The crisis has had a devastating impact on SRH services in Haiti in several key ways:
Limited Access to Care: The widespread violence and displacement have made it extremely difficult for women and girls to reach health facilities. Even when facilities are open, the journey to them can be dangerous.
Disrupted Supply Chains: The instability has disrupted the supply chains for essential medicines and equipment, including contraceptives and maternal health supplies. This means that even when women can access care, the necessary resources may not be available.
Increased Risk of GBV: The chaotic and insecure environment increases the risk of gender-based violence, including sexual assault. This has significant implications for SRH, as survivors of sexual violence require specialized care and support.
Unsafe Abortions: With limited access to safe abortion services, women are more likely to resort to unsafe methods, putting their health and lives at risk.
Overburdened and Under-resourced Healthcare System: The few functioning health facilities are overwhelmed with patients and often lack the resources to provide adequate care. This is further compounded by the flight of healthcare professionals due to the insecurity.
UNFPA has aided in the reduction of this burden by donating reproductive health drugs and equipment to the maternity facility Isaïe Jeanty in Croixdes-Bouquets, Ouest Department. The supplies included delivery beds, an operating table, oxygen cylinders, and fetal dopplers. UNFPA also provided necessary drugs for the clinical therapy of rape, the treatment of obstetric emergencies, and the management of complications connected to unsafe abortions. They have also provided mobile clinics and temporary safe spaces provided psychosocial support and GBV case management to 4,002 persons (3,345 women) at 13 displacement sites in the MZPAP. A total of 500 mama kits (for mothers and newborns) and 2,100 dignity kits (for hygiene) were delivered to women in 13 displacement camps in MZPAP. UNFPA donated equipment and supplies for emergency obstetric care and rape management to six hospitals in MZPAP (Eliazar Germain, Centre de Petite Place Cazeau, Hôpital Universitaire La Paix, Centre Hospitalier Fontaine, Raoul Pierre Louis, and Petit Goave). This has led to At least 666 deliveries and 296 cesarean sections.
Also, more than 700 calls were made to the UNFPA-supported hotline, which is run by implementing partners. Trained operators provided emotional support, referrals to specialized GBV services, case documentation, and GBV-related information during calls.
UNFPA’s efforts, including the provision of essential drugs and equipment, mobile clinics, psychosocial support, and GBV hotlines, are vital lifelines for vulnerable populations. However, the continued insecurity and the overwhelming needs demand a sustained and coordinated response from the international community, local organizations, and the Haitian government. Long-term solutions must address the root causes of the crisis, strengthen the healthcare system, and prioritize the safety and well-being of Haitian women and girls. Without a concerted effort to improve security, restore stability, and invest in SRH services, the health and futures of countless Haitian women and girls remain at risk.
