Humanitarian Response by NGOs to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake: Expectations vs. Realities

Abstract

A rising interest and participation from high-income countries in global health initiatives has been driven by increasing visibility and opportunities such as volunteering with non-profit organizations to provide healthcare. Thus, there must be a conscious effort to avoid further ingraining structures of inequality present in global health. This is particularly important in the context of Haiti’s post-earthquake recovery and the role of international aid. This paper examines the impact of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) on healthcare and maternal mortality in post-earthquake Haiti. Before the 2010 earthquake, Haiti was known as the “Republic of NGOs,” yet the INGOs’ interventions often proved ineffective. The wake of the earthquake provided an opportunity for progress but resulting efforts from INGOs fell short of expectations. Abuse of power, the exclusion of Haitian-led NGOs from funding, and inefficient project implementation further hindered progress in Haitian healthcare. This paper calls for ethical and equitable partnerships, Haitian-led development, and a shift toward self-sufficiency in international aid initiatives. In conclusion, this paper recommends aligning initiatives with host communities’ needs, as well as exploring innovative changes to the healthcare system that most effectively meet Haiti’s global health goals.