Haiti faces a mounting crisis as gang violence continues to surge, threatening not only social stability but also the lives of pregnant women. According to the United Nations, nearly 3,000 expectant mothers in Port-au-Prince are at risk of losing access to essential healthcare services due to pervasive insecurity. Among them, approximately 450 women face potentially life-threatening complications without proper medical care. Ulrika Richardson, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, highlighted the severity of the situation, saying, “Today, too many women and young women in Haiti are victims of indiscriminate violence committed by armed gangs.” The repercussions of this violence extend beyond immediate physical harm. Survivors of sexual violence, already traumatised, face the prospect of being cut off from critical medical services if the unrest persists. This exacerbates an already dire situation in a country grappling with numerous challenges, including political instability and economic hardship.
International leaders have voiced deep concern over the deteriorating situation. The UN has condemned the violence, emphasising the urgent need for intervention to protect vulnerable populations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry to expedite a political transition, emphasising the need to restore peace and stability. Blinken stressed, “The Secretary urged Henry to support this proposal in the interest of restoring peace and stability to Haiti so the Haitian people can resume their daily lives free from violence and despair.”
The impact on maternal health is not only a humanitarian concern but also a public health crisis. Access to prenatal care, safe childbirth, and postnatal support are essential for ensuring the well-being of mothers and their babies. Disruption of healthcare services not only endangers individual lives but also undermines progress in maternal and child health, jeopardising Haiti’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality and improve health outcomes. Scrutiny of the crisis reveals underlying systemic flaws fuelling gang violence in Haiti, including collusion between factions in the national police and criminal syndicates. The National Human Rights Defence Network has called for the establishment of a non-predatory government committed to institutional reform and anti-corruption measures. According to the network, “The government authorities have resigned. The streets of the capital and the entire Ouest department are given over to armed bandits.”
Reflecting on Haiti’s recent history, the trajectory of gang violence can be traced back to the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, which catalysed political turmoil and a power vacuum. This environment provided fertile ground for the proliferation of gangs, exacerbating societal divisions. Recent events, such as the destruction of law enforcement infrastructure and mass displacement, underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions addressing the root causes of violence.
This surge in gang violence in Haiti jeopardises maternal health and undermines social cohesion. The international community must remain engaged and commit to sustained efforts to support Haiti’s path toward recovery and resilience. Urgent action is needed to address the immediate humanitarian crisis and pave the way for long-term stability. Efforts to restore peace must prioritise the protection of vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, and ensure access to essential healthcare services.