HAITI is in an increasingly deepening humanitarian crisis as hunger spreads throughout the entire country due to the escalating gang violence and political tension. Humanitarian workers, doctors, and missionaries are sounding the alarm, warning of a desperate situation with growing urgency. Port-au-Prince, the capital, has become a center of suffering. Gang control has effectively isolated the city from the outside world, paralyzing supply chains and leaving thousands without access to food and essential supplies. A missionary, speaking anonymously for security reasons, described encountering people who hadn’t eaten in a week.

The political landscape adds to the chaos. With the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry and the failure to form a new government, the country remains in a state of uncertainty. A multinational security mission is being planned to create delivery routes for effective humanitarian aid. The consequences are severe. UNICEF reports that approximately 58,000 children are at risk of severe malnutrition, with roads blocked and hospitals destroyed, making it difficult for medical care and humanitarian assistance to reach where it is needed.

The crisis extends beyond Port-au-Prince, affecting the entire country. Haiti, heavily reliant on imports coming through the capital, faces acute food insecurity, with nearly 5 million people at risk. The Country Director of the World Food Programme for Haiti, Jean-Martin Bauer, described this as the worst humanitarian crisis since the 2010 earthquake.

Rural areas, such as the Artibonite Valley, are also reeling from violence and food shortages. Farmers struggle to cultivate and sell crops amid insecurity, leading to a decline in food production. The correlation between conflict and hunger is evident, with abandoned fields and armed groups worsening the situation.

Humanitarian efforts are hindered by a lack of funding and logistical challenges. The WFP has run out of food reserves in Port-au-Prince, with only a few weeks’ supply left. The UN’s Humanitarian Response Plan has received minimal funding, hampering efforts to reach those most in need.

Given these challenges, urgent measures are needed to prevent a deeper catastrophe in Haiti. With millions facing hunger and violence, the international community must prioritize support and assistance to prevent further suffering and loss of life.