Haiti: Escalating violence in Bel Air, Port-au-Prince
MSF calls for the protection of civilians and medical facilities.
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is deeply concerned about the recent intensification of clashes between the Haitian National Police (PNH) and armed groups in the Bel Air neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince.
In this area of the capital, where no other medical services are available, MSF teams usually run a clinic one day a week, while volunteer community health workers are present every day to provide basic care and refer patients.
On Tuesday, Jan. 6, the former school building used for MSF’s medical activities became a battlefield amid intense fighting between an armed group and the PNH. Seven community volunteers were trapped there for several hours before managing to escape.
“The medical interventions we carry out in Bel Air and Bas Delmas provide essential care to several thousand patients every month. Without these clinics, they would be completely deprived of access to healthcare.”
Nicholas Tessier, MSF country director in Haiti
These events also claimed the life of a former community volunteer who had collaborated with our organization in 2025. Seriously injured, he arrived at the clinic a few minutes after the volunteer staff had evacuated. Unable to receive first aid, he sadly died from his injuries in front of the building’s gate. This situation is not an isolated case.
The increasing violence is seriously endangering the lives of the thousands of civilians living in this neighbourhood and is alarmingly compromising their access to healthcare. MSF calls on all parties to respect medical facilities, healthcare personnel, patients and civilians.
“The medical interventions we carry out in Bel Air and Bas Delmas provide essential care to several thousand patients every month,” says Nicholas Tessier, MSF country director in Haiti. “Without these clinics, they would be completely deprived of access to healthcare. Today, due to this new episode of violence, we are forced to suspend all our activities in Bel Air until further notice.”
