“There is a pressing need for the international community to increase support and financial resources so that vital services can be provided and essential supplies can be delivered,” WHO said.
Recently, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that only three hospitals are operational in Port-au-Prince, where gangs have brought domestic health system to the brink of collapse.
In the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, the Peace Hospital, the Ti Plas Cazo and the Elizer Germain Hospital are open, while 18 others have their services restricted or temporarily closed.
Patients treated with tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS are today collateral victims of gang violence, which prevents these patients from attending the hospitals. Criminal gangs with their constant incursions put at risk the lives of patients who depend on dialysis sessions to stay alive.
Dialysis costs over 500,000 gourdes a year (US$3,787), even in public centers, and on top of the fact that it is an unaffordable treatment for many, those who can afford it find it impossible to get to the medical centers due to the crossfire.
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