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.
5.8M
people are facing extreme levels of hunger
1.8M
people are on the brink of starvation
1.4M
people are internally displaced
Haiti Facts
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Population: 12 million.
Background: Haiti has endured years of political instability, economic hardship and recurrent natural disasters. More recently, escalating armed violence has driven widespread hunger and displacement across the country.
Geography & Climate: Haiti is located in the Caribbean, sharing the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. The country is largely mountainous and has a tropical climate. Its location makes it highly vulnerable to hurricanes, floods and earthquakes.
Economy: Haiti’s economy is fragile after years of economic decline and insecurity. Nearly half of the population was estimated to live on less than $3 a day in 2025, while high food prices and violence continue to strain household incomes.
Causes of Hunger in Haiti
Political Upheaval
Haiti has faced years of political turmoil, which deepened following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 and the expansion of armed groups. In February 2026, the country’s Transitional Presidential Council ended its mandate without holding elections, prolonging political uncertainty. Widespread conflict continues to disrupt access to food, water and other essential services.
Extreme Weather & 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.
WFP's Work in Haiti
The World Food Programme has worked in Haiti since 1969. They 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
WFP's school meals provide a vital source of nutritious food for children amid Haiti's ongoing crisis. During the 2026–2027 school year, WFP aims to provide meals to more than 630,000 students.
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
- April 22, 2026
- News Release
- April 17, 2026
- News Release
- November 12, 2025