“Anything could happen to anyone at any moment. This is really serious, poverty is increasing and the common good is threatened. Life is filled with anxiety and uncertainty for the people in Haiti. The violent protests have claimed lives and no one knows what will happen next. I am really sorry for Haiti, my home. This hurts a lot.” – Dr. Dianne Jean Francois
These are the words from our country director, Dr. Dianne Jean Francois speaking from the capital, Port-Au-Prince, the epicenter of the recent violent anti-government protests that have rocked the country. The turmoil in Haiti has left critical shortages of potable water and medicine, and is crippling the the health system as people are afraid to leave their homes to seek care.
Thousands of anti-government protesters have taken to the streets since early February. People are fed up with poverty and corruption that they believe is crushing their country, shutting down most of Haiti. The protests have led to rampant looting, roadblocks, and clashes between civilians and police. In practical terms, human services, including access to basic needs such as clean water, food, and healthcare, have all been dangerously curtailed.
