Port-au-Prince, Haiti (AP) – A recent report reveals a dire situation in Haiti, with nearly half of the country’s population experiencing extreme hunger. Gang violence in Port-au-Prince has crippled the transportation of goods and hindered access to food for millions of people. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, 5.4 million Haitians face crisis, emergency, or famine levels of hunger, marking one of the highest proportions of acutely food insecure people globally.
As violence paralyzes daily life, makeshift shelters in the city are home to over 5,600 starving individuals, with an additional 2 million confronting severe hunger. Gang violence is primarily responsible for the food crisis, controlling significant parts of the capital and restricting vital supply routes. The situation has been exacerbated by economic challenges, with double-digit inflation limiting people’s ability to afford basic necessities.
Apart from gang-related issues, Haiti continues to recover from past disasters such as earthquakes, droughts, and hurricanes. The ongoing humanitarian crisis has prompted calls for additional funding, with humanitarian agencies and nonprofits in need of $230 million by the end of the year to address the escalating food insecurity.
In the midst of these challenges, individuals like Joceline St-Louis and Judeline Auguste struggle to feed themselves and their families. St-Louis, a mother of two, relies on occasional donations for her children’s survival, while Auguste depends on remittances that barely cover their needs. The impact of food insecurity is evident in the daily struggles of families across the nation, highlighting the urgent need for assistance.
As Haiti grapples with a deepening crisis, efforts to address the root causes of hunger and violence are crucial. The international community must step up to support the vulnerable populations facing acute food shortages and provide sustainable solutions to alleviate their suffering.
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Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Associated Press videographer Pierre Richard-Luxama in Port-au-Prince, Haiti contributed.
