On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Sandra Paulemon, Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, spoke at George Washington University in the United States as part of an academic exchange organized by the Institute for African Studies, focusing on health issues and public financing.

Minister Paulemon presented a report on the health situation in Haiti, the structural challenges the country continues to face, and the Haitian government's ongoing efforts to promote, maintain, and expand access to healthcare, particularly for the most vulnerable segments of the population. She reiterated that the government's actions are driven by a commitment to building a more resilient, equitable, and sovereign healthcare system that upholds human dignity and social justice.

She drew the audience's attention to the alarming situation of women and girls, who are all too often subjected to sexual violence, exploitation, and various forms of coercion by armed groups. She also addressed the plight of many battered, displaced, and deeply traumatized women who have extremely limited access to healthcare, psychosocial support, and protection services. At the same time, young boys are vulnerable to gang recruitment, losing not only their childhood but also any hope for the future.

The Minister emphasized that this reality gives the mobilization of domestic resources for health a much deeper significance. This mobilization must enable the State to strengthen its capacity to protect, treat, and support the most vulnerable, including victims of violence, children at risk, and communities affected by forced displacement and insecurity. In this context, health financing must be understood as an essential instrument for stability, social protection, and national resilience.

The Minister highlighted the central role of the Ministry of Planning in aligning national, bilateral, multilateral, and humanitarian resources within a coherent framework that conforms to the State's strategic priorities. She reiterated that one of her Ministry's major responsibilities is to promote better coordination between external funding, national public priorities, and sectoral strategies implemented by the relevant State institutions, particularly the Ministry of Public Health and Population.

During her address, Ms. Paulemon reaffirmed the Government's commitment to working with all its national and international partners to build a health system capable of effectively meeting the needs of the population, especially the most vulnerable, while respecting the principles of sovereignty, coordination, and effectiveness of public action. She also emphasized the importance of reducing dependence on external aid and sustainably strengthening the health system, with particular attention to women, girls who are victims of violence, and vulnerable youth.

In conclusion, she emphasized the need to continue strengthening physical and mental health and psychosocial support, medical care for victims, and protection and reintegration programs. Ensuring that these lives are not lost, ignored, or left behind is not only a national responsibility but a global commitment. “Together, through alignment, coordination, and unwavering commitment, it is possible to guarantee genuine protection, effective access to care, and tangible dignity for the Haitian people.”

HL/ HaitiLibre