Port-au-Prince, Haiti – A recent report revealed that almost 6,000 individuals in Haiti are facing starvation, with over half of the country’s population experiencing severe hunger due to escalating gang violence in the capital of Port-au-Prince and beyond. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report released on Monday indicated that the number of Haitians experiencing crisis, emergency, or famine levels of hunger has risen by 1.2 million in the past year, totaling 5.4 million individuals.
The dire situation has left 5,636 people on the brink of starvation, primarily residing in makeshift shelters across the metropolitan area. Additionally, another 2 million Haitians are grappling with severe hunger, highlighting the widespread impact of the crisis. Factors contributing to the food insecurity crisis include gang violence disrupting transportation routes for essential goods and preventing people from accessing food supplies.
The escalating levels of hunger in Haiti are not only a result of gang violence but also exacerbated by double-digit inflation, limiting the purchasing power of many Haitians. The cost of a basic food basket has surged by more than 11% in the past year, with overall inflation reaching 30% in July. Furthermore, the country is still reeling from the aftermath of the 2021 earthquake, recurrent drought episodes, and the devastating impact of Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
The report highlighted that gang violence, which controls 80% of Port-au-Prince and major transportation routes, plays a significant role in exacerbating food insecurity. Violent incidents, including killings, injuries, and kidnappings, have left over 700,000 people homeless in recent years. The United Nations-backed mission led by Kenya aims to address gang violence but acknowledges the need for more resources to effectively combat the crisis.
Humanitarian agencies and nonprofits in Haiti are urgently seeking an additional $230 million in funding to address the escalating hunger crisis. The report revealed that 70% of individuals living in temporary shelters are experiencing crisis levels of hunger or worse, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and support in the country.
Individuals impacted by the food crisis, such as Joceline St-Louis and Judeline Auguste, shared their harrowing experiences of struggling to feed themselves and their children due to limited resources and food availability. Jean Yonel, a father of seven, described the challenges of providing adequate meals for his family amidst the economic hardships plaguing the nation.
The situation in Haiti remains critical, with a significant portion of the population facing food insecurity compounded by ongoing challenges such as gang violence and economic instability. The urgent call for increased funding and assistance underscores the pressing need for immediate action to address the hunger crisis gripping the nation.