ECNETNews, New York, NY, October 1, 2024: Nearly half of Haiti’s population is grappling with severe hunger amidst escalating violence and rampant economic instability. A recent report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) indicates that 5.41 million Haitians are facing “high levels of acute food insecurity” from August 2024 to February 2025, driven primarily by gang violence and soaring inflation.
The alarming report highlights that 6,000 individuals are enduring “catastrophic levels of hunger” as armed groups wreak havoc, displacing families and obstructing access to vital supplies.
Haiti’s skyrocketing violence, particularly in the capital of Port-au-Prince, has critically hindered the distribution of food and humanitarian aid. With armed gangs controlling nearly 80 percent of the city and key routes, the ability for households to obtain essential food items has diminished drastically. Consequently, food expenses now account for up to 70 percent of household income, making it increasingly challenging for families to secure adequate nourishment.
This dire situation is further complicated by high inflation rates and the lasting repercussions of past climate disasters, including Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and the 2021 earthquake.
Despite ongoing international efforts to restore stability, including a UN-backed initiative, violence continues to escalate. Recent reports reveal that at least 3,661 people have lost their lives in 2024 due to gang-related incidents, with more than 700,000 individuals displaced in recent years.
The report emphasizes that the humanitarian crisis shows little sign of improvement in the near future. From March to June 2025, the demand for food assistance is projected to exceed available resources, as violence continues to disrupt supply chains and exacerbate displacement issues.
