Haiti's Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Malnutrition and Hunger Rise

Strategic Insights -

The humanitarian crisis in Haiti continues to escalate, with the World Food Programme (WFP) warning that women, children, and displaced families are disproportionately affected by malnutrition and hunger. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis reveals a record number of people in Haiti are experiencing acute levels of hunger, with 5.7 million people facing severe hunger. Child malnutrition has doubled in just two years, and 14% of children under five are malnourished, up from 7%. The WFP requires $139 million over the next 12 months to assist Haiti's most vulnerable people, but the crisis remains severely underfunded.

Key Takeaways:

  • The WFP has reached a record 2.2 million Haitians, but more resources are urgently needed to support families in dire need.
  • Armed violence, economic decline, persistent inflation, and poor agricultural output are fueling Haiti's deepening crisis.
  • Child malnutrition has doubled in just two years, with 14% of children under five now malnourished, up from 7%.
  • The WFP requires $139 million over the next 12 months to assist Haiti's most vulnerable people, but the crisis remains severely underfunded.
  • The UN agency highlighted the need for safe and unhindered access to support the people of El Fasher and all those affected by the conflict in Sudan.
  • The Maldives has become the first country to stop mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, a landmark public health achievement.

Statistics:

  • 5.7 million people in Haiti face severe hunger.
  • Child malnutrition has doubled in just two years, with 14% of children under five now malnourished, up from 7%.
  • 2.2 million Haitians have been reached by the WFP, but more resources are urgently needed.
  • The WFP requires $139 million over the next 12 months to assist Haiti's most vulnerable people.
  • Over 8,000 infants were born with congenital syphilis in southeast Asia alone in 2024.

Sources:

  • United Nations
  • World Food Programme (WFP)
  • Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Denise Brown
  • Press briefing by UN spokesperson Farhan Haq
  • World Health Organization (WHO)