In the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince and different municipalities including Gonâve, Arcahaie, Cornillon, Croix-des-Bouquets, Fermathe, Léogâne and Petit-Goâve, health care centers are working at a slower pace due to supply and energy issues.

Shootings are causing forced absenteeism of staff, and patients are prevented from reaching clinics because of the crossfire, the official was quoted as saying by the Haiti Libre online newspaper.

Recently, the Haitian Medical Association called for respect for the right to health, violated by the closure of state and private hospitals due to the growing wave of violence in Haiti.

“The Haitian Medical Association, on behalf of all its members, wishes to raise its voice in this tumultuous and frightening situation that is disrupting the lives of all citizens of our nation,” a statement from the organization stressed.

The right to health, derived from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and our Constitution, responds to the greatest aspirations of mankind since its origins.

“The peaceful search for solutions that respond to the wishes of the Haitian people and also to respect for the inalienable rights of all people without distinction and, in particular, of health institutions and personnel, is vital,” the association said.

Health is a primary need for women, children, men, young people and the elderly in our country, for the well-being and security of all are at stake, the association said in a statement.

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