In the face of escalating violence and insecurity in Haiti, humanitarian aid organizations are working tirelessly to support those affected, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Despite continuing difficulties and an insufficient appeal for funds, the United Nations and its partners remain committed to providing crucial aid to the Haitian population.
On Saturday alone, the World Food Programme (WFP) provided over 28,000 meals to people forced to flee their homes due to the violence. Since the beginning of March, the WFP, together with its partners on the ground, including Haitian non-governmental organizations, local businesses and farmers’ organizations, has provided food aid to around 480,000 people across the country, according to a United Nations statement.
The scope of the assistance goes beyond simply providing food.
Over the past month, the UN agency has distributed more than 358,000 hot meals to over 69,000 people in 48 displacement sites in the capital. In addition, humanitarian partners have delivered more than 2.3 million liters of water to some 29 displacement sites, benefiting some 60,000 displaced people, says the UN agency.
Recognizing the immense psychological impact of the violence, particularly on children, traumatized Haitians have also received essential medical supplies and psychosocial support. However, the health sector continues to face significant challenges, with at least half of Port-au-Prince’s health facilities closed or operating below normal capacity due to insecurity.
The humanitarian situation in Haiti remains dire, with over 360,000 people currently displaced, including around 160,000 in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area alone.
In addition, over 1,000 schools across the country have been forced to close due to the ongoing violence, according to the latest UN report on Haiti.
Despite the urgent need for assistance, the humanitarian response in Haiti is severely underfunded.
The $674 million humanitarian plan announced in February has received less than 7% of the funds needed.
This shortfall threatens to exacerbate an already dire situation, and underlines the urgent need for greater international support and solidarity with the Haitian people at this difficult time.
As Haiti faces escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis, the unwavering dedication of humanitarian organizations and the support of the international community are extremely important for thousands of Haitians in the grip of an acute famine situation.