Haiti: Child malnutrition crisis worsens amid escalating violence

It estimates that 93,873 children will experience severe acute malnutrition, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring urgent treatment, while another 159,852 children are expected to suffer from moderate acute malnutrition. An estimated 25,750 pregnant and breastfeeding women will also require nutritional support. 

The assessment was published by Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and Population with support from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), alongside nutrition partners.

The findings highlight the areas where humanitarian assistance and nutrition services are most urgently needed. The projected deterioration is expected to increase demand for treatment and place additional pressure on already overstretched health and humanitarian services. 

Families forced to flee

Approximately 1.47 million people were internally displaced in Haiti as of mid-May 2026, according to the assessment. Continued insecurity has forced families from their homes and disrupted access to food, healthcare and malnutrition treatment. 

“Behind these figures are children whose lives can change when they receive the right care at the right time.” UNICEF Representative to Haiti Geeta Narayan said.

“Now we must use that evidence to reach children earlier, prevent malnutrition and make sure no child is left without the support they need,” she further emphasized. 

Conditions expected to worsen

The situation is expected to become particularly serious between December 2026 and May 2027. During this period, 29 of Haiti’s 140 municipalities are projected to reach IPC Acute Malnutrition Phase 3, classified as “serious.”  

The municipalities of Cite Soleil and Cabaret are projected to reach Phase 4, or “critical,” the second-highest level on the IPC acute malnutrition scale. 

FAO Representative in Haiti Pierre Vauthier stressed that tackling malnutrition would also require addressing its underlying causes, including limited access to diverse and nutritious food. He called for greater protection of agricultural livelihoods and support for local food production to help vulnerable families withstand future shocks. 

WFP Representative to Haiti and Country Director Lauren Landis similarly urged greater investment in prevention, nutrition, healthcare, school meals and assistance to vulnerable households, warning that worsening malnutrition could carry significant social and economic consequences. 

Expand nutrition screening

The three UN agency are calling for urgent action from the Haitian government, donors, civil society and international organizations to prioritize expansion of community screening and treatment, ensure supplies of therapeutic foods, support pregnant and breastfeeding women, improve access to safe water and sanitation, and protecting household food production and livelihoods. 

They also urge safe humanitarian access and flexible funding so families can reach essential services and aid organizations can prepare for increased needs. 

With violence continuing to disrupt food security, displacement and access to basic services, humanitarian organizations say early intervention will be critical to preventing more children from progressing to severe acute malnutrition and reducing the risk of preventable deaths.