Public health financing in Haiti, budgetary priorities, and the consequences of the economic crisis on access to healthcare were at the heart of economist Kesner Pharel's intervention on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Haitian Network of Health Journalists (RHJS), during the "Thursdays of RHJS".<\/strong><\/p>

Speaking on the theme "Public Health Financing in Haiti: Analysis of Budgetary Resources Allocated to the Sector in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget", economist Kesner Pharel drew attention to the weakness of resources devoted to the health sector, given the needs of the population and the country's economic difficulties.<\/p>

The general budget of the Republic for the fiscal year 2026-2027 amounts to 401.2 billion gourdes, an increase of 11.3% compared to the previous rectified budget, set at 360.3 billion gourdes. Adopted in the Council of Ministers on September 30, 2026, this budget allocates 19.41 billion gourdes to the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP).<\/p>

For Kesner Pharel, this allocation remains particularly concerning in light of the priorities set by the government. He highlights that the health sector receives fewer resources than the security sector. For comparison, 61 billion gourdes are earmarked for justice and public security, of which 51.9 billion are designated for strengthening the Haitian National Police (PNH). The electoral process, for its part, benefits from an envelope of 8.6 billion gourdes.<\/p>

The economist also points out the burden of current expenditures in the national budget. These total 232.6 billion gourdes, of which 121.6 billion are allocated to salaries and personnel expenses, 77.85 billion to goods and services, and 27 billion to transfers and subsidies. Capital expenditures are estimated at 168.5 billion gourdes.<\/p>

Close Link Between Economic Situation and Population Health<\/strong><\/p>

Beyond the distribution of public resources, Kesner Pharel emphasized the close link between the economic situation and the health of the population. According to him, Haiti has experienced eight consecutive years without wealth creation, a situation that contributes to job losses, declining purchasing power, and worsening poverty.<\/p>

He reminds us that the poverty rate, which was below 60% in 2018, is now approaching 70% in 2026. Extreme poverty, which was below 25% in 2018, could surpass 40%. This degradation of living conditions directly jeopardizes access to care.<\/p>

"When you get sick and need to see a doctor, you have to pay. When you go to the pharmacy, you also have to pay. And when you don't have money, you are forced to make difficult choices. You find yourself having to choose between feeding yourself and solving a health problem," he explained.<\/p>

He also discussed the effects of inflation, economic contraction, and rising exchange rates on pharmaceutical product prices. The low capacity for local production, he noted, does not meet the demand. Compounding these difficulties are health risks related to malnutrition, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as deteriorating mental health.<\/p>

Addressing the geographical distribution of the population, the economist referred to data from the Haitian Institute of Statistics and Informatics (IHSI). In the absence of a census since 2003, the Haitian population is estimated at 12 million inhabitants and could reach 12.6 million by 2030. The West, Artibonite, North, and South are among the four most populated departments.<\/p>

He urged health journalists to master demographic and health data, particularly the distribution of healthcare facilities and their presence in the municipalities and communal sections across the 10 geographic departments of the country.<\/p>

According to him, knowledge of the health map is essential for assessing needs in the 146 municipalities, which are themselves divided into 571 communal sections. He encourages them to identify vulnerable areas to better understand prevention challenges, particularly in the face of environmental and epidemic risks impacting the territory.<\/p>

Kesner Pharel also drew attention to the difficulties in mobilizing financial resources, in a context marked by the withdrawal of USAID and the gradual disengagement of the European Union. He believes that access to care also depends on the state’s ability to mobilize sufficient funding.<\/p>

Finally, he highlighted the consequences of electoral delays on budget planning. The allocations initially intended for the operation of institutions, particularly Parliament and the Presidency, must be adjusted according to the new electoral calendar. He thus advocates for the swift adoption of a rectifying budget.<\/p>

At the end of his presentation, several journalists questioned the economist about budgetary priorities, the distribution of allocations, and the funding prospects for the national health system.<\/p>