Better spending, better care : a look at Haiti's health financing

Amid recurrent natural disasters and severe financial hardship Haitians face formidable challenges to their health. Maternal and infant mortality rates are 5 and 3 times higher than the regional average. Access to health care is low compared to low-income countries and particularly among the poorest households. Delivery of preventive health services like immunizations is below minimum standards. Patients often bypass the public health system for lack of trust, and rely on consultations from traditional healers or simply purchase medication directly from unregulated providers for their medical needs. Haiti faces the challenge of meeting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals on health and improving outcomes for the poor despite declines in external financing for health and relatively low government contributions compared to other low-income countries to finance the health sector. In light of this, Haiti's healthcare system must operate more efficiently, and access to services must become more equitable and reach vulnerable populations.