Haiti's Health Crisis: Women and Girls Bear the Brunt of a Nation in Turmoil

The humanitarian crisis in Haiti continues to escalate, fueled by rampant violence, political instability, and the displacement of over 578,000 people, more than half of whom are women and girls. These vulnerable groups face increasingly dire health risks amid the collapse of Haiti’s healthcare infrastructure.

A Health System in Ruins

Haiti holds the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the Western Hemisphere, with nearly 85,000 pregnant women left to navigate an inadequate healthcare system, according to UNFPA. This systemic failure, compounded by widespread violence, has resulted in limited access to essential reproductive and maternal health services.

Nearly 95% of health facilities are non-operational, leaving humanitarian organizations like ALIMA (the Alliance for International Medical Action) to fill the void. ALIMA’s mobile clinics have reached over 2,000 people since March 2024, providing crucial prenatal and neonatal care directly to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

Stories of Resilience Amid Crisis

For women like Samedi Modeline, the consequences of instability are deeply personal. Displaced by violence in Cité Soleil, she lost her livelihood and access to medical care during her pregnancy. Forced to give birth at home, Modeline and her newborn, Naily, could only receive medical attention days later through ALIMA’s outreach efforts.

Such stories underscore the critical role of community-based initiatives in mitigating the immediate impact of Haiti’s health crisis. However, these efforts are limited in scope compared to the overwhelming need.

Violence as a Barrier to Care

Security challenges remain a significant obstacle. Armed conflicts disrupt care delivery, and limited resources constrain the scale of humanitarian efforts. Without stability, it is nearly impossible to rebuild a healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of Haiti’s population.

Reproductive care is particularly vulnerable in times of instability, leaving women at risk of maternal mortality, unintended pregnancies, and severe complications. As ALIMA’s work demonstrates, direct, localized interventions can make a difference, but broader systemic change is urgently needed.

A Call for Global Action

Addressing Haiti’s health crisis requires more than temporary relief—it demands sustained international attention and investment. The international community must prioritize funding for reproductive health services, medicines, and security measures to protect humanitarian efforts.

Long-term solutions also hinge on resolving Haiti’s political instability, which remains the root cause of the crisis. Until stability is achieved, partnerships among governments, private entities, and philanthropic organizations will be critical to maintaining and expanding access to healthcare.

Building Resilience for the Future

Despite the dire circumstances, the people of Haiti continue to hope for a better future. Supporting women and girls in building resilience through ongoing healthcare is a shared responsibility. Haiti’s recovery is not just about restoring infrastructure but also about safeguarding the rights and health of its most vulnerable citizens.

As the international community works alongside Haitian organizations, the commitment to ensuring consistent and quality healthcare must remain steadfast. The stakes are too high to look away.