Hunger Crisis in Haiti

Vendors surrounded by garbage selling goods in Haiti’s capital, Port au Prince (UN Photo)

Introduction to the Crisis

UNITED NATIONS, CMC – The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) has warned of a rise in the number of people suffering from hunger in Haiti amid escalating armed violence, displacement, economic turmoil and disruptions to local food production.

The WFP said these factors fuel hunger in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM), leaving millions at risk.

Food Insecurity Report

The alarm came after the release of the UN’s latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, which uses a scale from one to five to assess conditions.

The report reveals that more than half the Haitian population, a record 5.7 million people, are projected to experience acute food insecurity through June. Of this number, just over two million are projected to face emergency-level hunger, and about 8,400 are expected to face catastrophe (IPC Phase 5), the most critical level of food insecurity, where people experience an extreme lack of food, severe acute malnutrition, and the risk of starvation.

Impact of Violence and Displacement

The UN said Haiti continues to be in the grip of heavily armed gangs, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and that the violence has forced over one million people to flee to safety.

It also said displaced families are sheltering in schools and public buildings in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions with limited access to clean food, water, and healthcare.

Response Efforts

WFP said that together with its partners, it has scaled up operations, reaching more than 1.3 million people to date this year, including a record one million people in March—the highest number assisted in one month.

However, the WFP said needs are outpacing resources, and it urgently needs US$53.7 million to continue its lifesaving operations over the next six months.

“Right now, we’re fighting just to hold the line on hunger,” said Wanja Kaaria, WFP Country Director in Haiti.

“To keep pace with the growing crisis, we call on the international community to provide urgent support – and above all, the country needs peace,” she urged.

Emergency Assistance and Support

WFP said it provides emergency assistance and long-term support to internally displaced people.

It said it has supplied 740,000 hot meals to more than 112,000 recently displaced people so far this year, as well as cash for food and support to prevent child malnutrition.

Moreover, WFP said it had secured unprecedented access to areas controlled by armed groups, delivering lifesaving food to several hard-to-reach communities.

WFP also said it manages the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), which remains a vital lifeline, ensuring that aid workers and supplies reach needy communities.

Impact on Children

Meanwhile, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned that over one million boys and girls in Haiti are facing critical levels of food insecurity.

Overall, UNICEF estimated that 2.85 million children – or one-quarter of all children in the country – are facing consistently high levels of food insecurity.

“We are looking at a scenario where parents can no longer provide care and nutrition to their children as a result of ongoing violence, extreme poverty, and a persistent economic crisis,” said Geeta Narayan, UNICEF Representative in Haiti.

Public Health Emergency

Furthermore, with rising food insecurity, the UN Haiti is also confronting a growing public health emergency.

Across the country, the UN said health services are under immense pressure.

It said less than half of the capital city’s health facilities are fully operational, and two of three major public hospitals are out of commission.

UNICEF said the impact on children is severe, with healthcare and lifesaving treatment becoming increasingly inaccessible – putting children at greater risk of various forms of malnutrition and preventable disease.

Nutrition Crisis

With worsening food insecurity and unrest, UNICEF said the crisis has resulted in a nutrition crisis for families. It said together with its partners, they have treated over 4,600 children with severe acute malnutrition in 2025.

However, it said this represents less than four percent of the 129,000 children projected to need lifesaving treatment this year.

UNICEF noted that funding shortfalls constrain humanitarian response as needs intensify, with a childhood nutrition program facing a critical 70 percent funding gap.

Conclusion

The hunger crisis in Haiti is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and support. The international community must come together to provide urgent assistance and work towards a long-term solution to address the root causes of the crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: More than half of the Haitian population, a record 5.7 million people, are projected to experience acute food insecurity through June.

Q: What is the main cause of the hunger crisis in Haiti?

A: The main causes of the hunger crisis in Haiti are escalating armed violence, displacement, economic turmoil, and disruptions to local food production.

Q: How many children are affected by the crisis?

A: Over one million boys and girls in Haiti are facing critical levels of food insecurity, and 2.85 million children are facing consistently high levels of food insecurity.

Q: What is being done to address the crisis?

A: The WFP and UNICEF are working together to provide emergency assistance and long-term support to those affected, including internally displaced people and children.