Haitians face record hunger as gang violence grips country in throes of economic crisis

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — According to a recent report, more than half of Haiti’s population is expected to face severe hunger until June, with around 8,400 people living in makeshift shelters projected to suffer from starvation.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification attributed this dire situation to persistent gang violence and a continuing economic downturn in the country.

The report highlighted a significant increase in the number of people experiencing severe hunger, reaching approximately 5.7 million individuals, up by more than 300,000 since the previous year.

One of those affected is Jackie Jean-Jacques, whose family lost their home due to gang violence and has been living in a crowded shelter for over a year, struggling to provide adequate food for their children.

The situation is exacerbated by the termination of 90% of USAID foreign aid contracts, leading to a reduction in humanitarian assistance for nearly a million Haitians who rely on food aid.

UNICEF has reported that approximately 2.85 million children in Haiti are facing high levels of food insecurity, with the agency facing a significant funding shortfall to provide necessary assistance.

The World Food Program has also issued an urgent appeal for $53.7 million to sustain their operations in Haiti and prevent further escalation of the hunger crisis.

The escalating hunger crisis in Haiti is compounded by soaring inflation and widespread gang violence, making it increasingly challenging for vulnerable populations to access food and livelihood opportunities.

Women and girls, in particular, are disproportionately affected by the crisis, facing greater barriers to food security and economic stability in the midst of the ongoing challenges in the country.

This critical situation underscores the urgent need for international support and concerted efforts to address the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition in Haiti.

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