Unicef warns Haiti fuel shortages put hospitalized women and children at risk
Locals carry containers, used for oil and gasoline, during fuel shortages in Port-au-Prince, Haiti October 24, 2021. REUTERS FILE PHOTO
PORT-AU-PRINCE — Fuel shortages in Haiti are putting the lives of hundreds of women and children at risk as hospitals run low on supplies for electricity, United Nations children’s agency Unicef said on Sunday.
Fuel supplies to the capital Port-au-Prince have been severely disrupted in recent weeks by a
wave of kidnappings
, including the abduction this month of a group of American and Canadian missionaries. Transport industry leaders say making fuel deliveries is too dangerous for drivers who are at risk of kidnapping or hijacking.
ADVERTISEMENT
Unicef said it negotiated a deal with a local company to provide fuel to hospitals in Port-au-Prince and Haiti’s southern peninsula, which suffered an earthquake in August, but the company reneged on the deal, citing security concerns.
“The lives of many child-bearing women and newborn babies are in danger because hospitals that should give them life-saving care cannot operate normally due lack of fuel,” said Raoul de Torcy, Unicef Deputy Representative for Haiti, in a statement.
‘Sobrang nagulat’: Robredo thanks ‘wholehearted’ people’s campaign, local execs’ support
Robredo supporters show support in Duterte’s hometown
Isko ‘paints the town blue’ in Metro Manila caravan as he turns 47
Many Haitian businesses and institutions rely on diesel generators to ensure electricity due to constant blackouts.
The inability to transport fuel has triggered warnings by industrial groups, including the country’s main cell phone service provider, that they may have to shutter services in the coming days.
A government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Read Next
IS claims responsibility for bomb attack in Uganda
EDITORS’ PICK
MOST READ
Don’t miss out on the latest news and information.
View comments