MSF permanently closes Turgeau Emergency Center in Haiti

International medical organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has announced the permanent closure of its Emergency Center in Turgeau due to worsening insecurity and escalating violence in central Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

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The facility had temporarily suspended operations in March 2025 after a serious security incident targeting MSF staff. Despite several attempts to identify ways to safely resume activities, the organization concluded that the risks remain too high for both patients and healthcare workers.

“For several weeks now, the area surrounding the centre of Port-au-Prince has been the scene of regular armed violence,” MSF said in a statement. “If medical activities were to resume at this hospital, located in the immediate vicinity of these clashes, they would be severely compromised by the level of risk to patients and healthcare workers.”

The building has reportedly been hit several times by stray bullets due to its proximity to combat zones. MSF described the decision to close the facility as a “last resort,” emphasizing the severe impact on access to healthcare for residents already suffering from violence, instability, and deteriorating living conditions.

“Since the suspension, several technical ballistic protection assessments have been conducted to identify suitable protection solutions, but no option has been able to guarantee a sufficient level of security to continue our activities,” said Jean-Marc Biquet, MSF Head of Mission in Haiti.

He added that the organization remains committed to Haiti and is exploring alternative ways to continue providing medical support in both Port-au-Prince and Carrefour.

Before resuming any suspended activities, MSF said it is still awaiting the signing of a memorandum of understanding that would establish a humanitarian corridor between Port-au-Prince and Carrefour—considered a crucial step for ensuring safe passage for medical personnel and supplies.

MSF has called on all parties to respect humanitarian and medical work, stressing that medical action must take place “in complete neutrality” and within areas protected from violence.

Despite the closure, MSF continues to operate several other facilities in the capital, including the Tabarre hospital, Cité Soleil emergency center, Pran Men’m clinic, and primary healthcare services in Delmas 4, Bel Air, and Bas Bel Air/La Saline. The organization also recently reopened the Isaïe Jeanty maternity hospital in partnership with Haiti’s Ministry of Health and Population.