Trump travel ban threatens life-saving surgeries for Haitian children, warns aid group
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) — A United States (US) based medical aid organisation is calling on the Donald Trump administration to reconsider a new travel ban that threatens to block Haitian children with critical heart conditions from accessing urgent care abroad.
The International Cardiac Alliance (ICA), which has arranged more than 100 surgeries for Haitian children in the United States and other countries, warns that a dozen patients could miss life-or-death procedures due to the restrictions. The order, first issued under former President Donald Trump and now set to take effect Monday, targets travellers from 19 countries—but lacks provisions for those seeking medical treatment.
“These children are somebody’s child and somebody’s grandchild, and they don’t have access to lifesaving care,” Dr John Clark, a paediatric cardiologist who has worked with ICA, said in an NBC News report. “Is there any room for compassion?”
While the executive order allows for certain exceptions, such as lawful permanent residents and individuals travelling for major sporting events, there is no clear exemption for patients with urgent health needs. It remains uncertain whether medical cases would qualify under the clause that permits visa waivers deemed in the “United States national interest”.
The ICA’s Executive Director, Owen Robinson, says the new policy could halt travel plans for Haitian children who were days away from surgery.
“Some of them might be able to wait a few months, and others, if they don’t go now, they’re going to pass away very quickly,” he said.
He added that the organisation’s waitlist for Haitian patients in need of heart surgery currently stands at 316, ranging from infants to young adults.
“We do have kids die every week waiting because there’s not a lot of international slots for these kids,” he said. In the past, Haitian children have routinely been granted visas for medical travel through the US.
Dr Clark participated in missions to Haiti until 2019, when worsening gang violence and political instability drove most international doctors out. One hospital ambulance was attacked, and a staff member was stoned to death, according to ICA. Since then, most children needing advanced care have had to seek help abroad.
