Partners In Development (PID), a nonprofit organization based in Ipswich, Mass., is running one of the few remaining medical clinics in Haiti’s capital city of Port-au-Prince amidst ongoing unrest in the country. Tali Marcelin, the president of PID, mentioned that their clinic has seen an increase in patients in recent weeks due to the closure of several healthcare facilities and other nonprofits pulling out of the area. Gang violence has been escalating in Haiti’s capital since late February, with armed gangs releasing thousands of inmates from prisons, causing chaos and insecurity throughout the city.
The United Nations estimates that 80% of Port-au-Prince is under the control or influence of gangs, leading to looting and violence targeting healthcare facilities. PID is facing challenges in keeping the clinic stocked with necessary supplies due to skyrocketing prices. Despite efforts to bring in teams and donated medical supplies from outside the country, the current situation has made it difficult for them to do so. The clinic provides free services to the people who have limited options for healthcare, but the lack of supplies poses a significant obstacle to delivering proper treatment to all patients in need.
The clinic operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but closures due to unrest and gun violence in the vicinity have forced early shutdowns on some days. Additionally, staff members sometimes stay overnight to avoid unsafe journeys to and from their homes. With approximately 30 full-time and part-time staff, including medical professionals and support staff, PID offers a range of services from wound and emergency care to pre- and post-natal care. Despite the challenges, Marcelin noted the resilience of the Haitian people who remain hopeful for a better future.
According to a report from the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration, more than 53,000 people have fled the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area between March 8 and March 27 due to ongoing attacks and insecurity. The majority of displaced people are heading towards southern Haiti, particularly Grande’Anse and Nippes, with a small percentage aiming to reach the Dominican Republic. PID Haiti Field Director Raymond Niquelson, who has been with the organization since 1999, expressed gratitude for being able to continue providing services to the people during these challenging times, despite the overwhelming demand for healthcare services.
The situation in Haiti remains unstable and dangerous, with the clinic facing ongoing difficulties in maintaining supplies and treating patients effectively. Despite the challenges, PID remains committed to serving the local community and providing essential healthcare services to those in need. The resilience and hope of the Haitian people continue to inspire those working on the front lines of the crisis, demonstrating the strength and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
