Haiti's newly selected Prime Minister and police chief visited the capital's largest hospital following the authorities' takeover from armed gangs. The Hospital of the State University of Haiti, known as the General Hospital in Port-au-Prince, was seized by police after months of escalating attacks from criminal groups.
The police chief stated that the operation to secure the hospital was successful, aiming to neutralize the bandits causing chaos in the area. The U.N.-backed contingent of Kenyan police has also pledged to support Haitian authorities in restoring order and rebuilding the nation.
The violence from armed gangs has severely strained Haiti's health system, leading to a surge in patients with serious illnesses and a shortage of medical resources. Gangs have been looting, setting fires, and destroying medical facilities and pharmacies in the capital, where they hold significant control.
Moreover, the rainy season poses additional challenges to Haiti's healthcare system, increasing the risk of water-borne diseases due to poor hygiene conditions in makeshift settlements. The country is already grappling with a high number of suspected cholera cases, further exacerbating the healthcare crisis.
In addition to the hospital takeover, criminal groups have targeted police stations, the main international airport, and prisons, causing widespread disruption and insecurity. The violence has forced nearly 580,000 people to flee their homes since March, according to a report from the U.N. migration agency.
As Haiti grapples with escalating violence and a strained healthcare system, efforts are underway to restore stability and provide essential services to the population. The international community, including local and global partners, is working together to support Haiti in overcoming these challenges and rebuilding a more secure and resilient nation.
For more updates on Latin America and the Caribbean, visit AP's coverage.
