This decision, effective from April 9, 2025, will last for a minimum of three months due to escalating violence and security concerns in the area.
Reasons for the Suspension
The suspension follows a targeted attack on March 15, 2025, against an MSF convoy traveling between the two facilities. The convoy, clearly marked as humanitarian, was deliberately fired upon 15 times by armed individuals. This incident highlighted the dangers of operating in the region, where stray bullets had already been landing daily within the Turgeau Emergency Center compound. The inability to use the critical route connecting Turgeau and Carrefour has severely disrupted patient transfers, staff movement, and medical supply deliveries, making continued operations untenable.
Impact on Medical Services
Between January and March 2025, MSF treated over 550 victims of violent trauma and conducted more than 3,600 emergency consultations at these facilities. Both centers were among the few offering free care for road accidents and domestic emergencies. Their closure creates a significant gap in healthcare access in areas heavily affected by gang violence and insecurity.
MSF’s Continued Presence in Haiti
Despite this setback, MSF continues to operate other medical facilities in Haiti. These include:
- Tabarre Trauma Reference Centre: Treating victims of burns, accidents, and violence.
- Hôpital Drouillard in Cité Soleil: Providing 24-hour emergency services.
- Pran Men’m Clinic in Delmas: Offering care for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
- Mobile clinics serving displaced populations and disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Appeals for Protection
MSF has reiterated its call for all parties to respect health structures, ambulances, medical staff, and patients. The organization is also awaiting results from investigations into previous attacks on its operations.
This suspension underscores the challenges humanitarian organizations face in conflict zones while striving to meet critical medical needs.