By Medcardia Editorial Team – April 23, 2025
Haiti is in the midst of a profound humanitarian emergency as record-breaking levels of hunger and food insecurity grip the nation. According to the latest assessments from United Nations agencies, over half of Haiti’s population — approximately 5.7 million people — are facing acute food insecurity, with thousands teetering on the brink of famine.
Children at the Epicenter of the Crisis
The situation is especially dire for Haiti’s children. UNICEF reports that more than one million children are now experiencing emergency levels of food insecurity. In total, nearly 2.85 million children — one in every four — are struggling with high levels of malnutrition due to the compounded effects of poverty, violence, and inadequate access to health services.
“With soaring violence and an economy in freefall, many parents can no longer provide even basic nourishment to their children,” said Geeta Narayan, UNICEF’s Representative in Haiti. “Immediate interventions are essential to prevent the worst outcomes, including stunting and wasting among the youngest and most vulnerable.”
Armed Conflict and Economic Collapse
Much of the crisis stems from unrelenting gang violence, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Armed groups have displaced over a million people, many of whom now live in overcrowded public shelters lacking clean water, sanitation, and adequate food. Entire communities have been cut off from aid due to territorial control by gangs.
The collapse of local food production, disrupted markets, and limited humanitarian access have further exacerbated the crisis. Haiti’s fragile economy, heavily reliant on informal employment and subsistence farming, is ill-equipped to withstand the current shocks.
A Looming Catastrophe
The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) places more than two million Haitians in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency), while over 8,400 individuals are already enduring IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe) — the highest possible level of food insecurity, characterized by starvation and extreme malnutrition.
UN agencies have expanded their response efforts, with the World Food Programme (WFP) delivering over one million food assistance packages in March alone — a record for the country. However, critical funding gaps threaten the continuation of these efforts. The WFP currently requires an additional $53.7 million to sustain operations over the next six months.
A Call for Global Solidarity
UNICEF’s nutrition program is also critically underfunded, facing a 70% shortfall. So far in 2025, only 4,600 of the estimated 129,000 children in need have received life-saving therapeutic treatment.
As the situation deteriorates, UN leaders are urging the international community to respond swiftly and generously. “We’re fighting to just hold the line on hunger,” said WFP Country Director Wanja Kaaria. “This crisis demands urgent support — but above all, Haiti needs peace.”
Without immediate and sustained action, the crisis could spiral further, with lasting implications for regional stability and global humanitarian priorities.
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Reference
- https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/least-one-million-children-facing-emergency-levels-food-insecurity-haiti
- https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/04/1162391
- https://twn.my/title2/unsd/2025/unsd250405.htm