The political crisis in Haiti has had a severe impact on the health of
the population. Mortality among Haitians is 13 per 1000, much higher
than the Latin American rate of seven per 1000, and the incidence of A
DDS, tuberculosis, and malnourishment is increasing among children. Al
though food and medicine are exempt, United Nations sanctions have had
a negative impact on most of the population. In particular the embarg
o on fuel has limited most people's access to health care. The difficu
lties of distributing aid and health care without softening the embarg
o on fuel are immense, and the health of Haitians is not likely to imp
rove until the political crisis is resolved.