In Haiti, unprecedented levels of gang violence have forced over 1 million people to flee.
With access to health services extremely limited, cholera outbreaks continue to appear, notably in sites where displaced people live in precarious conditions.
In response to this ongoing public health emergency, a crucial medical intervention is underway. Supported by the European Union’s Humanitarian Aid Operations, the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is opening new treatment centres.
Haiti is gripped by a violent, complex crisis, marked by unprecedented levels of gang violence. More than 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, is reportedly under the control of armed groups.
Half of the country's population —6 million people— is in desperate need of humanitarian aid.
Extreme insecurity has intensified forced displacement, pushing over 1 million people to flee their homes, often multiple times. These internally displaced persons (IDPs) seek refuge in overcrowded makeshift sites, such as schools and churches, which critically lack adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.
The precarious living conditions are highly conducive to the spread of waterborne illnesses, particularly cholera, which re-emerged in October 2022.
‘Given the gravity of the situation, the combined efforts of government services and our partners have made it possible to contain this epidemic and limit its most dramatic consequences,’ says Patrick Barbier, who monitors EU aid in Haiti from Port-au-Prince.
‘But due to insufficient resources to guarantee decent access to drinking water, sanitation, and healthcare for all, the most vulnerable populations remain exposed to this scourge, ’ he explains.
Since January 2025, over 2,500 suspected cholera cases and 186 confirmed cases have been reported, with localised outbreaks continuing to affect IDP sites.
A race against time to prevent contagion
Meanwhile, access to essential care is severely limited. Only 40% of health facilities are fully operational, placing immense pressure on the healthcare system. While case numbers have seen some decline nationwide, the threat remains constant, particularly in displacement camps.
Jean Louis Modeline, a shopkeeper in Port-au-Prince, the capital, recently lost his daughter to cholera. ’On Sunday morning, I noticed she had diarrhoea and was vomiting a bit, but it seemed to stop. Yesterday, Tuesday, she wasn’t doing well at all and died,’ he told the PAHO medical teams.
A race against time is underway to sanitise settlements and prevent further contamination.
’We are taking precautions so that others don’t catch it, but [my daughter’s] body is still inside the house. We will spread bleach and disinfect,’ Jean Louis said.
New treatment centres and training on cholera prevention
The EU’s partnership with PAHO supports Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) strategy to ensure quality care for cholera patients. A key component is the establishment of new Cholera Treatment Centres (CTCs), such as the fully operational facility at the Delmas 33 IDP site.
This centre is vital for the safe management of suspected cases, helping to reduce transmission within displaced communities. It includes necessary sanitation blocks (latrines and showers) and an observation room.
PAHO/WHO is also supporting existing facilities through training on case management and infection prevention. These activities are complemented with community awareness sessions that distribute essential supplies like water purification tablets and oral rehydration solution (ORS).
EU’s wider support to Haiti
This targeted medical aid forms part of the European Union’s unwavering humanitarian support to Haiti. Historically, Haiti stands as the main recipient of EU humanitarian aid in Latin America and the Caribbean, having received over €568 million since 1994.
Reflecting this long-term commitment, the EU allocated over €42 million in 2025 to address the needs of the most vulnerable. This includes a dedicated €1.5 million in emergency humanitarian funding to bolster cholera prevention and response efforts.
