On the occasion of the first anniversary of his inauguration, the Minister of Public Health and Population, Dr. Bertrand Sinal, presented on Thursday, January 29, 2026, a detailed assessment of actions undertaken over the past twelve months, in a context described as one of the most challenging the Haitian health system has experienced in recent decades.
Upon his assumption of office, the health sector faced a multidimensional crisis marked by a massive exodus of health professionals, numerous retirements without replacement mechanisms, as well as the closure or paralysis of several health institutions due to insecurity, armed attacks, and access difficulties.
It is in this context that the minister states he initiated, with the support of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) and Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, a series of structural reforms and actions aimed at keeping the system operational.
Strengthening Human Resources
According to the figures released, 1,708 appointments have already been made out of a total of 2,646 planned appointments, with the objective of sustainably strengthening the capacities of the health system across the country. These recruitments notably include:
- 70 nurses who passed the 2023–2024 state exams and whose applications were pending;
- 233 nurses recruited following a national competition organized by the MSPP;
- 120 health professionals of all categories combined (general practitioners and specialists, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, medical technicians, and biologists);
- 121 executives appointed within the central directorates of the ministry.
- Special contracts and assignment letters have also been implemented in several difficult areas to ensure the continuity of health services.
Supply and Access to Care
Aware that human resources cannot operate without material means, the ministry proceeded with the distribution of medicines, equipment, and medical supplies in the country's ten departments, despite security and logistical constraints. Nine 40-foot containers were transported and strategically distributed, with the aim of reducing the cost of care, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.
Between January 2025 and January 2026, available data indicates a notable increase in the use of health services, particularly in Jérémie, Fort-Liberté, Gonaïves, and other areas of the country. A significant rise in hospital births, including in border areas, was also recorded, reflecting an improvement in access to safe maternal care.
Construction and Rehabilitation of Health Infrastructures
More than thirty construction, rehabilitation, or reopening projects for health infrastructures are underway or already finalized across the country. These interventions notably concern the departments of Nippes, Nord, Nord-Est, Sud, Artibonite, Grand’Anse, Sud-Est, and Ouest. Several hospitals, Community Reference Hospitals (HCR), health centers, and health posts have been inaugurated or recommissioned, with the installation of solar systems to ensure energy continuity.
It should be noted that 98% of the distributed supplies and materials were financed by the Public Treasury, a fact that the minister presents as proof of the Haitian state's capacity to act when political will is present.
International Cooperation and Emergency Responses
On the international front, Haiti has strengthened its bilateral and multilateral partnerships, notably with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and marked a historic turning point with its election to the Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Faced with the crisis of internally displaced persons, the MSPP has established mobile clinics, fumigation and deratization campaigns, as well as free care for patients from the camps in several public hospitals. Despite the cessation of some external funding, the ministry assures that no stock-outs of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs have been recorded nationwide. A draft decree establishing a National HIV/AIDS Fund is also awaiting adoption by the Council of Ministers.
A Difficult Year, But Claimed Results
After twelve months at the helm of the sector, Minister Dr. Bertrand Sinal describes this period as 'a difficult year, but one that yielded results.' He believes that this assessment demonstrates that despite security, humanitarian, and institutional crises, structured leadership, a clear vision, and management discipline can contribute to improving access to care and gradually revitalizing the health system.
'Health is a fundamental right. The Government remains fully committed to defending and protecting it, despite the difficulties,' concluded the minister.
Jean Wesley Pierre / Le Relief
