Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti
As violence and conflict escalate in Haiti, entire communities are cut off from access to food. Watch the special from ABC World News Tonight:
Haiti
Conflict & Hunger
Half the population of Haiti is experiencing extreme hunger because of conflict, extreme weather events and soaring inflation. People need food now.
Make a difference in Haiti
Relentless Violence, Disasters and Inflation
Haiti has one of the highest levels of hunger in the world and faces chronic poverty. On a good day, electricity, running water and healthcare are scarce. Now, violent conflict is forcing many Haitians to flee or hide in their homes. Half the population of the impoverished Caribbean country needs immediate food assistance.
5.7M
people are facing extreme levels of hunger
1.9M
people are on the brink of starvation
1.3M
people are internally displaced
Causes of Hunger in Haiti
Political Upheaval
Haiti’s ongoing political turmoil erupted in September 2019 as tens of thousands of Haitians took to the streets demanding the resignation of President Jovenel Moise. The protests quickly turned violent and the security situation has remained precarious since. Conflict between armed groups has limited people’s access to food and water.
Natural Disasters
In the past two decades, Haiti has been rocked by severe storms, landslides, drought, earthquakes and hurricanes. The frequent natural disasters make it nearly impossible for families to grow enough food to feed themselves.
Poverty
Haiti is the poorest country in the Latin America and Caribbean region and among the poorest countries in the world. The country's economic collapse in 2024 further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Today, many families are unable to afford food and other necessities, like housing and healthcare.
See How We’re Supporting Haitians
The World Food Programme has worked in Haiti since 1969. We provide communities with lifesaving food assistance and logistics support to the wider humanitarian response.
Emergency Food
To mitigate the impact of future disasters, WFP pre-positions stocks of emergency food. This enables WFP to respond swiftly when disaster strikes and put hot meals into the hands of survivors.
School Meals
Our school meals ensure children still have access to nutritious food despite the ongoing crisis. With the Ministry of Education and partners, WFP provides school meals to up to 530,000 schoolchildren daily.
Logistics
WFP is supporting the humanitarian community in Haiti by transporting food and cargo by sea, where roads are blocked, as well as staff and humanitarian supplies through the U.N. Humanitarian Air Services.
Latest News From Haiti
- News Release
- October 15, 2025
- News Release
- October 13, 2025
- Blog
- October 2, 2025