Haiti - Meeting Minutes, Gonaïves, August 21, 2026

Content

• Background and Objectives

• The Logistics Sector’s mission to Gonaïves in February 2026 highlighted several major challenges: 
• Access constraints in Artibonite, 
• Lack of operational storage capacity in Gonaïves, 
• Lack of local maintenance services,
• Temporary suspension of UNHAS flights.
• The purpose of this meeting is to
• Take stock of the progress made since February 2026.
• Review the status of implementation of the recommendations made.
• Update logistical priorities in coordination with partners and local authorities (DGPC).

• Monitoring progress on logistical priorities

At the coordination meeting held in February 2026, partners identified several priorities aimed at strengthening logistical capacity in the Artibonite department. These priorities focused primarily on improving storage infrastructure, strengthening air connectivity, and exploring alternative transportation options to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. The table below provides a follow-up on the recommendations made at that meeting, as well as the status of the actions undertaken. The main logistical challenges faced by partners in Artibonite relate to transportation, access, vehicle maintenance, and storage capacity.

• 2026 Hurricane Season

• Current Situation in Artibonite: The weather situation in Artibonite remains relatively calm, although the hurricane season requires continued vigilance. According to the DGPC, five of the 21 cyclonic systems forecast for the season have already passed through the Atlantic, while another system is currently being closely monitored due to its potential impact on Haiti.
• Level of Preparedness: Several initiatives have been implemented to strengthen emergency preparedness and response capabilities in the department
• The rehabilitation of the COUD is underway. However, the warehouse will not be operational in time for the 2026 hurricane season.
• The municipal civil protection committees have been mobilized to ensure their availability during the hurricane season.
• Several local civil protection organizations have received capacity-building training.
• In partnership with COOPI, support activities have been carried out with the eight Local Civil Protection Committees (CLPCs) in Gros-Morne.
• Community Response Teams (EIC) have been established to complement the work of the CLPCs. Two training sessions have already been conducted, specifically on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and hazard identification, while first aid training is currently underway.
• Training on the EDAB digital tool is planned for approximately 60 participants (four per municipality). Tablets are available, but funding is still needed to implement the activity. 
• In the event of a major emergency affecting Gonaïves, helicopter flyovers are planned within the first few hours to conduct rapid assessments and facilitate the planning of ground operations.
• Several facilities at the COUD and Civil Protection can be mobilized to accommodate emergency response personnel, as was previously the case during the cholera epidemic.
• Key Vulnerabilities and Needs: Despite these advances, several challenges continue to limit the Civil Protection’s operational capacity:
• The COUD’s facilities still require renovation and refurbishment to effectively accommodate personnel and equipment during a crisis.
• Logistical resources remain very limited. The needs have been communicated to the central government, but no response has yet been received.
• A forklift is available on site but requires repairs before it can be fully operational.
• Although tablets are available for use with the digital EDAB, there are still not enough trained staff, and funding is needed to provide user training. 
• Equipment provided by UNESCO, notably air conditioners, has not yet been installed due to security concerns at the site.
• Advocacy efforts are underway to strengthen human capacity dedicated to securing the COUD, particularly through the reestablishment of a permanent security presence.
• A funding need has also been identified for training on the protection of children in emergencies, as well as for capacity-building among local stakeholders in this area.

• Operational Presence and Logistical Challenges Faced by Partners

• The partners present at this meeting operate primarily in Saint-Marc, Marchand-Dessalines, Belladère, La Chapelle, and Liancourt. Discussions highlighted several logistical constraints affecting their operations.
• Health sector actors, in particular, highlighted the difficulties associated with transporting products requiring a cold chain, as well as the lack of suitable temporary storage space for this type of goods. They often have to resort to ad hoc solutions, which can be costly and unsustainable.
• Furthermore, the partners noted the limited number of suppliers available in the Artibonite department. This situation frequently forces them to source certain goods and services from Cap-Haïtien, resulting in additional costs and longer delivery times.
• Finally, it was noted that the Gonaïves Chamber of Commerce, although it exists as an institution, is currently inactive, thereby limiting opportunities for networking and the development of the local economic fabric.

• Review of the 2026 Priorities for Artibonite

• As part of its planning for the end of 2026, the Logistics Sector conducted a review of its key priorities to assess progress made, identify remaining actions, and define the next steps. This exercise ensures that planned activities meet the operational needs of partners and that available resources are directed toward the most strategic initiatives for the coming months. The actions presented in the table below reflect the priorities agreed upon for the remainder of the year.

All available information on the Logistics Sector can be found at the following address: Haiti Emergency | Logistics Cluster Website

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