Hunger crisis in haiti

Haiti is among the hungriest places in the world and has one of the highest levels of chronic food insecurity with 22% of children chronically malnourished.

On February update of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) 1.32 million people are classified in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) and 3.18 million people in Crisis (IPC Phase 3). A total of 4.3 million people in need of urgent assistance.

Crisis impact on families and children also affects other rights such as health and education, labour exploitation and child labour, sexual exploitation, early forced marriage and unions, early pregnancies, as well as limited or no access to menstrual hygiene.

Why is this Happening?

The crisis in Haiti has resulted from several internal events in recent years that have affected political, economic and social stability. However, three main events have exacerbated the situation. First, the assassination of President Moïse on July 2021, which triggered insecurity, increased violence, kidnappings, civil unrest, increased food insecurity, among others. Secondly, the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the southern of the country in August 2021. In addition, the gang warfare in the capital, Port-au-Prince, has reached new heights of intensity and brutality during the first six months of 2022, and the amount of territory they control has reached unprecedented levels.  Gang violence and political uncertainty remain among the main drivers of insecurity and social unrest. A situation that affects the most vulnerable population: children and their families.

Also, there are external factors affecting worldwide. Climate change is making extreme weather like drought more frequent and driving hunger to unprecedented levels. The economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and soaring prices of food, fuel and fertiliser due to the conflict in Ukraine has meant that crisis is building upon crisis.

What is Plan International doing?

Our rapid response includes supporting communities to have access to food and safe water through cash transfers for vulnerable households, the provision of water storage kits, and improved collective water systems.

Plan International will also work on child protection issues in contexts of food insecurity and on covering basic needs for adolescents, young women, pregnant and lactating mothers by raising awareness of sexual and reproductive rights and providing dignity kits.