Even before the earthquake, Haiti's government was not fully functioning and Haitians relied on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for many services, including healthcare, education and humanitarian aid.

But many in the NGO community and outside of it say they are critical of the unchecked power this community can wield despite the good work.

A report from Oxfam, one of the major NGOs working in Haiti admitted that international groups often exclude the state in their plans and should do more to work with the government.

Paul Farmer, the UN deputy special envoy to Haiti, said until the government has the resources it needs, Haiti will remain "the republic of NGOs".

Al Jazeera's Sebastian Walker reports.