Imagine a city where 90% of its streets are controlled by gangs, and the very institutions meant to heal are under siege. This is the grim reality in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, where Doctors Without Borders has been forced to permanently close its emergency care center, a decision that sends shockwaves through an already devastated community. But here’s where it gets even more heartbreaking: this isn’t just about one facility shutting down—it’s part of a larger collapse. Over 60% of the city’s health facilities, including the general hospital, have either closed or are barely functioning due to escalating gang violence. And this is the part most people miss: the closure of these centers doesn’t just mean fewer beds or doctors; it means thousands of lives hanging in the balance.
The Turgeau emergency center, which had become a beacon of hope for many, had already faced a terrifying ordeal in March 2025 when armed men opened fire on Doctors Without Borders vehicles evacuating staff. While injuries were minor, the incident highlighted the perilous conditions under which humanitarian workers operate. Jean-Marc Biquet, head of the Doctors Without Borders mission in Haiti, explained, ‘The building’s proximity to combat zones has made it a target for stray bullets, rendering it too dangerous for both patients and staff to resume operations.’ Before the attack, the center had treated over 300 patients in just one week and recorded more than 2,500 medical consultations in February alone—a testament to its critical role in the community.
Originally established in the Martissant neighborhood in 2006, the center was relocated to Turgeau in 2021 due to security concerns. From 2021 to March 2025, it provided care to over 100,000 patients, showcasing its indispensable impact. Yet, despite these efforts, the relentless violence has made it impossible to continue.
The crisis extends far beyond healthcare. According to the United Nations, from January to June, over 3,100 people were killed and 1,100 injured across Haiti. Gang violence has also displaced a staggering 1.4 million people, a 36% increase since the end of 2024. Almost two-thirds of these new displacements occurred outside Port-au-Prince, particularly in Haiti’s central region. As families flee their homes, makeshift shelters have surged from 142 in December to 238 so far this year, as reported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
But here’s the controversial question: Is the international community doing enough to address this crisis? While organizations like Doctors Without Borders tirelessly provide aid, the scale of the problem often feels insurmountable. Haiti’s government, grappling with political instability, has struggled to curb gang activity, and international interventions have been met with mixed results. Some argue that more robust global support is needed, while others question whether external involvement could exacerbate tensions. What do you think? Is this a problem Haiti must solve internally, or does it require a coordinated international response? Let’s keep the conversation going—because in a world where healthcare centers are forced to close due to violence, we all have a stake in finding a solution.
