Escalating Violence in Latin America and the Caribbean Threatens Healthcare Access
Haiti: Latin America and the Caribbean: When seeking medical care is dangerous
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Armed violence in countries like Haiti, Colombia, and Mexico is severely disrupting healthcare services, with over 70% of facilities in Port-au-Prince rendered inoperable. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) highlights the urgent need for protection of healthcare workers and facilities amidst rising incidents of violence.
- 01In Haiti, over 70% of health services in Port-au-Prince are non-operational due to escalating violence.
- 02The ICRC recorded 282 acts of violence against healthcare services in Colombia in 2025.
- 03Healthcare workers in Mexico reported over 190 serious incidents affecting their safety between 2024 and 2025.
- 04The La Paix University Hospital is currently the only major state-run hospital operating in Port-au-Prince, facing severe resource constraints.
- 05Regional cooperation efforts are underway to strengthen healthcare systems and protect healthcare workers from violence.
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The ongoing violence in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in Haiti, Colombia, and Mexico, is critically undermining healthcare access. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reports that in Haiti, more than 70% of health facilities in Port-au-Prince are out of service due to armed conflict. This situation has led to a collapse of emergency services and care for chronic conditions, with patients unable to access necessary medical assistance. In Colombia, there were 282 recorded acts of violence against healthcare services in 2025, while Mexico documented over 190 serious incidents affecting healthcare workers in the past two years. The La Paix University Hospital remains the only operational state-run facility in Port-au-Prince, struggling with inadequate resources and increasing threats from armed patients. The ICRC is actively working to promote respect for healthcare services through dialogue with armed groups and by providing support to healthcare professionals. Efforts are also underway to enhance regional cooperation and strengthen legal frameworks to protect healthcare in conflict-affected areas.
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The violence significantly restricts access to healthcare, leading to preventable deaths and worsening health outcomes in affected communities.
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