Haiti launches social security week: Advocating for universal coverage

Haiti has embarked on an ambitious journey with the launch of its Social Security Week, an event organized by the Office of Work Accident, Sickness, and Maternity Insurance (OFATMA in french) and backed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. From October 4 to October 10, 2024, the initiative will promote the theme “Social Security: A Fundamental Human Right,” shedding light on the crucial role of social protections in ensuring dignity and well-being for all citizens.

Social security in Haiti extends beyond healthcare, encompassing retirement pensions, assistance for vulnerable populations, and affordable housing initiatives. Several key organizations are collaborating to emphasize this broad approach, including the National Old Age Insurance Office (ONA in french), the Social Assistance Fund, and the Public Housing Promotion Agency (EPPLS in french). Together, they represent a unified effort to provide comprehensive protections for Haitians, addressing not just their health needs but also financial security and social support.

The week’s agenda is filled with activities aimed at informing and engaging various sectors of society. These include workshops with OFATMA’s regional offices, discussions with business leaders and labor unions, and public forums addressing the future challenges of social security in the country. By bringing together stakeholders from different walks of life, the event seeks to create a national dialogue on the importance of strengthening Haiti’s social protection systems.

One of the main goals of Social Security Week is to highlight that the right to social security is not limited to a specific class or group. It is a right that everyone deserves, from workers and retirees to the most vulnerable members of society. The involvement of institutions like ONA and EPPLS highlights the broader scope of social security, which includes support for housing and financial assistance to ensure that people live with dignity, especially in retirement or times of hardship.

Through this initiative, OFATMA and its partners are working to raise awareness about the need for universal social protection, advocating for a system that benefits all Haitians. Social Security Week serves as a national call to action, encouraging government officials, employers, and citizens to come together in support of policies that will expand and improve access to social services.

As the week progresses, it is expected that conversations around social security will intensify, leading to concrete steps toward a more inclusive and effective system. The event stands as a reminder that social security is not just a privilege but an essential right that contributes to the overall well-being and equality of all Haitians.