Political and economic upheaval is worsening violence and food scarcity for millions of people in Haiti. Learn more about the crisis and how you can help through community-led relief efforts.
About 19,000 people in Haiti are experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger. This is the first time conditions in Haiti have reached that designation—the worst level of hunger before a famine is declared. Another 4.35 million people in the country are facing acute food insecurity. Inflation is at 20.9%. The World Food Programme predicts that even more people will be affected by food insecurity each day.
“With nearly half the population experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger, we are deeply concerned about malnutrition (which will be exacerbated by cholera),” Michelle of GlobalGiving partner Health Equity International said.
The organization is preparing to treat an influx of malnourished patients, distribute nutritional supplements, and expand malnutrition screenings for children under 5 in their community.
Source: NPR + ReliefWeb + WFP + Trading Economics
Support community-led recovery with a donation to GlobalGiving’s Haiti Crisis Relief Fund.
Haiti’s powerful gangs continue to increase their control and escalate violence in communities. Since the start of 2024, 360,000 people have been internally displaced, 1,200 have been killed, and 700 have been injured. This is worsening the country’s fuel crisis, which was already dire after a two-month blockage of Haiti’s main port, the Varreux Terminal, in Port-au-Prince. An estimated 80% of the capital is under the control or influence of gangs. Clashes between groups have trapped neighborhoods, preventing people from going to work or accessing food and water. A detailed report from the United Nations documents rape being used as a tool of intimidation and control by gangs seeking to expand their areas of influence. An alliance of armed gangs, led by Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, is pressing Haiti’s de-facto Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign on threat of civil war.
Source: CNN + OHCHR + Al Jazeera + Reuters + The New York Times
At least 188 deaths from cholera have been recorded. Haiti’s Ministry of Health confirmed 924 cases and said there are more than 10,600 suspected infections. The UN has reported cholera in eight of the country’s 10 provinces. About 40% of the growing number of cases are among children. Access to potable water, sanitation, and health care is essential to respond quickly to a cholera outbreak and prevent further spread. But ongoing civil unrest is hindering emergency response operations, and the Varreux blockade forced many health centers to close.
Source: ReliefWeb + Al Jazeera + UNICEF
“When hospitals are less equipped to treat sick patients or the lack of fuel makes travel to hospital impossible, it is even more urgent to protect baseline health and stop the potential spread of waterborne illness with our improved sanitation service,” Christine of SOIL said.
“We will continue to do whatever it takes to remain a constant for the people of Haiti during this extraordinarily difficult time and to continue our service unabated.”
– Christine of GlobalGiving partner SOIL
At the beginning of 2024, nearly half of Haiti’s population—5.5 million people—needed humanitarian aid. Without access to diesel to supply power, transport food, and provide other basic services, more people are now in need of aid. Anti-government protests have paralyzed the country. Children can no longer attend school, businesses have been shuttered, and transportation is suspended. The UN reports violence and looting have resulted in a loss of $6 million worth of relief supplies that could have benefited more than 410,000 people in need. A state of emergency was declared on March 3 and was followed by a surge of gang violence that left at least nine police stations torched, 21 public buildings and shops looted, and over 4,600 prisoners released from jail.
Source: WFP + ReliefWeb + CNN + UNFPA + CBS + Reuters
“Haiti is experiencing one of its worst moments, and we are immersed in a humanitarian crisis, which has touched us all—as a foundation, as workers, and as a family.”
– Consuelo of GlobalGiving partner Fondation Tous Ensemble
GlobalGiving’s Disaster Response Team is working with local responding partners like Health Equity International, SOIL, Fondation Tous Ensemble, Sonje Ayiti Organization, ESPWA, and Action Against Hunger to meet the immediate needs of people facing the crisis in Haiti. Once urgent needs are met, the GlobalGiving Haiti Crisis Relief Fund will transition to support community-led, long-term recovery efforts as needed.
Source: GlobalGiving Haiti Crisis Relief Fund
Why? Survivors’ needs vary greatly throughout the life cycle of recovery. Some will require financial support, medical care, and psychological assistance years down the road. You can learn more about the importance of cash donations in this infographic.
Source: GlobalGiving + USAID Center for International Disaster Information
Note: This article was originally published on Nov. 11, 2022 at 4:20 p.m. and updated on Mar. 7, 2024 at 4:45 p.m.
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