Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has suspended its medical services in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, citing escalating threats and violence involving local police and vigilantes.
The organization reported that its staff had faced repeated harassment, including death and rape threats, as well as attacks on its vehicles and facilities. The situation reached a breaking point on November 11 when an MSF ambulance was allegedly attacked by police and vigilantes, resulting in the deaths of at least two patients.
“These incidents have forced us to suspend operations in Port-au-Prince,” MSF stated. The suspension took effect Wednesday, disrupting critical healthcare services provided by the organization, including:
1,100 outpatient consultations weekly
Emergency care for 54 children each week
Support for over 80 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence monthly
MSF’s Head of Mission, Christophe Garnier, explained the decision: “While MSF is accustomed to operating in insecure environments, threats from law enforcement leave us no choice but to halt admissions in Port-au-Prince until safety conditions improve.”
Haiti continues to grapple with widespread gang violence, political instability, and a lack of law enforcement accountability. Healthcare facilities in the capital have reported multiple break-ins by police, vigilantes, and gang members searching for injured rivals, further endangering staff and patients.
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