PAHO supports Haiti’s health response following Hurricane Melissa
Port-au-Prince, Haiti, October 31, 2025 — The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is working with the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) to mitigate the effects of severe flooding triggered by rains from Hurricane Melissa. The disaster has caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction across multiple regions.
Impact and damage
According to the Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC), 26 people have died, 18 are missing, and 17 have been injured. The floods also damaged or submerged more than 1,000 homes, affected 10 health facilities, and displaced over 15,000 residents, many of whom are now staying in temporary shelters.
Health and humanitarian response
PAHO/WHO teams, working closely with the MSPP, are supporting communities on the ground to maintain access to critical health services and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks. Field staff are visiting shelters and medical centers to assess urgent needs and improve the local response capacity.
Delivery of medical supplies
"At the request of the Minister of Health, Dr Bertrand Sinal, nearly two tons of medical supplies have been delivered to the Health Directorate of the Ouest department."
This essential shipment, funded by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA), strengthens the health system’s ability to provide emergency care in affected areas.
Author’s Summary
PAHO and partners are reinforcing Haiti’s emergency health response with supplies and on-the-ground assistance after deadly floods from Hurricane Melissa.