Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update as of 23 February 2024 – Haiti

REGIONAL: DENGUE

PAHO has issued an epidemiological alert calling for intensified efforts across the Americas to control the spread of dengue fever, as the region faces a significant surge in reported cases in early 2024. As of early February, the region has registered 673,267 cases and 102 deaths, a 157 per cent increase compared to last year and a 225 per cent rise over the five-year average. This follows the 4,565,911 cases and 2,340 deaths registered in 2023, the highest number of annual dengue cases on record. Eleven countries and territories, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mexico, Paraguay and Peru, have reported heightened cases. PAHO emphasizes the need for strengthened surveillance, early diagnosis, treatment, and community engagement to reduce mosquito breeding sites and prevent complications.

BOLIVIA: LANDSLIDES & SEVERE WEATHER

Heavy rainfall in western Bolivia has resulted in devastating landslides, causing casualties and widespread damage. On 19 February, the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology (SENAMHI) issued a red alert for three municipalities in La Paz and an orange alert for 279 municipalities across nine departments due to persistent rain and the risk of flooding. Humanitarian aid has been provided to affected communities, including 100 families in the municipality of Oruro, where the Paria River overflowed. Between November and 19 February, severe weather across eight departments of the country has affected 11,509 families, destroyed 446 houses and led to a total of 33 fatalities. Despite challenges, authorities are persisting with rescue efforts and precautionary measures.

PANAMA: GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE & MIGRATION

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warns of alarmingly high levels of sexual and gender-based violence among migrants and refugees crossing the dangerous Darién Gap between Panama and Colombia. In just one week, MSF treated 113 survivors of sexual violence, including 9 minors, surpassing the total number of people treated in 2021. In December 2023, 214 cases were reported, nearly a third of the year’s total. MSF has repeatedly voiced concern over the surge in GBV cases and is demanding urgent action to halt this crisis. Meanwhile, the CERF-funded projects addressing the pressing needs of refugees and migrants in the Darién are set to conclude by the end of February 2024.

HAITI: VIOLENCE & CHILDREN

A number of schools in Port-au-Prince and other major cities are set to resume classes this week as a precarious calm has returned following weeks of unprecedented violence. Since the beginning of February, a surge in insecurity has forced the closure of 15 schools in Port-au-Prince, including the Lycée La Saline and the École les Papillons. Due to the closures and access constraints to reach facilities, at least 290,000 of the 420,000 targeted children have been deprived of WFP school meals, amid already growing rates of food insecurity and malnutrition. Children have been continuously caught in the crossfire of the violence. In 2023, at least 167 children were killed or injured by gunshots. Recruitment of minors by armed groups has also increased. UNICEF’s representative in Haiti emphasizes that conditions on the ground are extremely dangerous for children, describing playgrounds, schools and homes in many parts of the city as war zones.