Haitian Midwives: Providing Critical SRMNAH Services During a Humanitarian Crisis

It has been nearly a year since Haiti’s socio-political and security situation drastically deteriorated. With the government losing control over the national territory, armed groups have taken over large parts of the country, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. This instability has profoundly impacted every aspect of life in Haiti, including sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health (SRMNAH).

A Crisis with Severe Health Consequences
Already fragile, Haiti’s healthcare infrastructure has suffered significantly. Many hospitals have been vandalised or shut down, leaving thousands of women and adolescents without access to essential care. SRMNAH services, which were already limited, have become nearly impossible to access in certain areas, further endangering the health and well-being of women and girls.
Temporary camps have become home to many displaced families, yet these shelters often lack basic resources. As is often the case in camps, women and girls face increased vulnerability to sexual violence, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Midwives at the Centre of the Humanitarian Response
In response to these challenges, our member association, the Association des Sages-Femmes d’Haïti (ASFH), has partnered with the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) to launch the “Stream 3: Humanitarian Emergency Response” initiative.
This campaign deploys mobile clinics across four refugee sites, delivering care directly to the most vulnerable populations. These services include:
- Prenatal and gynaecological consultations: Ensuring pregnant women receive proper medical follow-up and early detection of potential complications.
- HIV, syphilis, and other STI screenings: Crucial for preventing and treating infections that could endanger the health of women and their partners.
- Prevention of unplanned pregnancies: Distribution of condoms and provision of short- and long-term contraceptive methods to enable women to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
- Referrals for case of gender-based violence: Connecting survivors of gender-based violence to appropriate support services, including psychological support.
These mobile clinics address urgent needs while restoring a sense of dignity and security to women and girls.
The essential role of midwives
During crises, midwives are often the only healthcare providers accessible to women and girls in remote or high-risk areas. Their expertise in SRMNAH care makes them indispensable to humanitarian efforts. Beyond medical care, midwives provide emotional and psychosocial support, offering reassurance in environments where women and girls feel especially vulnerable.
Midwives save lives, reduce complications, and uphold the fundamental rights of women and girls. Their presence ensures that critical care continues, even in the most challenging circumstances.
A call for international solidarity
ASFH’s response has been impactful, further support is essential. Material and financial resources remain limited, and midwives often work in extremely difficult conditions. The international community must intensify efforts to sustain these initiatives and ensure access to SRMNAH care in Haiti.
The situation in Haiti demands urgent attention. Supporting midwives and their work is a crucial step toward improving health outcomes and safeguarding the dignity and rights of women and gender diverse people during this crisis.