In a major humanitarian effort, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has recently dispatched nearly three tonnes of essential medicines and health supplies to Haiti. This substantial shipment, sourced from PAHO’s Strategic Reserve in Panama, is a key component of ongoing initiatives to bolster Haiti’s healthcare system amid the country’s severe and prolonged crisis.
The delivery, which reached Port-au-Prince, includes a diverse array of supplies: surgical care kits designed for trauma treatment, syringes, personal protective equipment for frontline health workers, emergency medical backpacks, and other crucial items required to address both urgent and routine health needs. Notably, the shipment also comprises components essential for maintaining the cold chain for laboratory supplies and surveillance kits related to COVID-19, influenza A/B, dengue, and HIV—critical measures to manage current and potential outbreaks.
PAHO’s strategic collaboration with Haitian health authorities and various humanitarian partners has been vital in overcoming significant logistical challenges, including access restrictions at international ports of entry. This collaborative approach has enabled PAHO to mobilize a total of 254 tonnes of medical supplies for Haiti since the start of 2024, underscoring its commitment to delivering life-saving aid.
Dr. Oscar Barrenech, PAHO/World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Haiti, highlighted that escalating violence and blockades at key transportation hubs have severely impacted the health sector’s capacity to provide care. “These coordinated humanitarian shipments have become a lifeline, ensuring both emergency and routine healthcare services continue for those in critical need,” he stated.
The success of this recent shipment is credited to the effective coordination between PAHO, the Haiti Logistics Cluster, the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot in Panama, and the World Food Programme (WFP). Such partnerships are instrumental in navigating the complex logistical and security challenges that have arisen due to the ongoing unrest.
The deteriorating situation, particularly within the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, has seen a drastic reduction in operational health facilities—with only 42% fully functional, while the remainder are partially operational or have closed entirely. This decline in service availability has left millions of Haitians at risk, especially those residing in overcrowded and under-resourced internally displaced persons (IDP) sites.
The rapid increase in internal displacement—tripling in the past year—further complicates the crisis. Over a million individuals have been forced from their homes since September 2022, exacerbating health risks such as outbreaks of communicable diseases due to overcrowded conditions and inadequate sanitation.
PAHO remains dedicated to its mission of providing critical support to Haitian health professionals and ensuring that essential medical aid reaches those most in need. This latest shipment is a testament to the ongoing efforts to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and support the resilience of Haiti’s healthcare infrastructure during these challenging times.
