Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is deeply concerned by the recent escalation of clashes between the Haitian National Police (PNH) and armed groups in the Bel Air neighborhood of Port-au-Prince.

In this area of ​​the capital, where no other medical services are available, MSF teams usually hold consultations one day a week, while volunteer community health workers are present daily to provide basic care and refer patients.

On Tuesday, January 6, the former school building used for MSF's medical activities became a battleground following intense fighting between an armed group and the PNH. Seven community health workers were trapped there for several hours before managing to escape.

"Today, due to this new episode of violence, we are forced to suspend all our activities in Bel Air until further notice," said Nicolas Tessier, MSF Head of Mission in Haiti.

These events also claimed the life of a former community volunteer who had worked with our teams in 2025. Seriously injured, he arrived at the clinic just minutes after the volunteers were evacuated. Lacking first aid, he tragically died from his injuries in front of the building's gate. This is not an isolated incident.

The resurgence of violence is seriously endangering the lives of residents in this neighborhood and alarmingly jeopardizing their access to healthcare. MSF calls on all parties to respect medical facilities, healthcare workers, patients, and the community.

"The medical interventions we carry out in Bel Air and Bas Delmas provide essential care to several thousand patients every month," Nicolas Tessier points out. "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," Tessier concludes.

HL/ HaitiLibre