UNICEF estimates 4 million children are in need of urgent support in Haiti, as they face the compounding crises of gang violence and civil unrest, internal displacement, malnutrition and food insecurity, and the resurgence of cholera. UNICEF and partners will work to ensure access to basic goods and continuity of services including essential vaccinations, screening and treatment for malnutrition, protection from violence, continued learning opportunities and access to safe water and hygiene.
The humanitarian situation in Haiti has worsened, leaving nearly 59% of the population living below the poverty line with limited access to basic services and millions of people facing acute hunger and widespread socio-economic and political turmoil. Half of Haiti's children are likely to depend on humanitarian aid to survive 2023. With limited access to safe drinking water, affordable food and basic education and health services, children and their families are reaching breaking point.
Despite the extremely insecure and volatile environment, UNICEF remains committed to supporting the most vulnerable, particularly children, during this crisis. We require your support to scale up the response to provide lifesaving nutritional ready-to-use food to children, conduct early detection to prevent malnutrition, and to deliver our comprehensive WASH, health child protection and education programs in violence-affected areas.
Humanitarian aid is currently the only buffer preventing Haiti's descent into chaos. As violence escalates and spreads country wide, the health system is collapsing. Health facilities are closing due to attacks on staff by armed groups, compounded by fuel shortages that are disrupting health services and access. If we don't prevent the education system from collapse, 4 million children will be on the street at greater risk of violence and abduction.
