Doctors face dangers in gang-ridden Haiti to treat cancer patients

In Haiti, ongoing gang violence has severely disrupted access to healthcare, particularly for cancer patients. With approximately 5% of the population internally displaced due to escalating gang warfare, healthcare providers face immense challenges in transporting patients to treatment centers. Dr. Joseph Reginald Fils-Aimé, who coordinates logistics for Zanmi Lasante, highlights the difficulty in finding safe routes for patients needing urgent care, as many roads are controlled by armed groups. Healthcare professionals are forced to devise creative solutions to ensure patients receive necessary treatments. For instance, they are considering using boats to transport medications and supplies to avoid the dangers of gang-controlled roads. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that many patients are willing to risk their safety to access care, but healthcare providers are reluctant to put them in harm's way. The mobile clinics operated by various NGOs have seen thousands of patients, yet the threat of violence remains a constant concern. Dr. Abdoulaye Ousmane from ALIMA reports numerous security incidents, indicating that the situation has not improved since gangs took control of the streets. The lack of safe birthing facilities poses a significant risk to pregnant women and their children, further illustrating the dire state of healthcare in the region. As healthcare systems struggle to function under these conditions, the long-term implications for public health in Haiti are alarming. The ongoing violence not only hampers immediate medical care but also threatens the overall health infrastructure, leaving many vulnerable individuals without access to essential services.