The Humanitarian Situation in Haiti

Christophe Fournier addresses MSF’s concerns about the crisis faced by people in Haiti, in particular in Port au Prince, where civilians are caught in the crossfire of extreme violence that has wracked the city in waves since September 2004. From visits to the city morgue, MSF estimated that 100 people were killed each month from September to December 2004 as armed factions supporting and opposing exiled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide fought. Doctor Fournier insists that "the needs and safety of civilians most affected by this brutal reality must be at the center of any response to the present emergency" and that, "at the very least, the ability for those wounded in the violence to access life saving medical and surgical care must be assured".