News Americas, New York, NY, October 1, 2024: Nearly half of Haiti’s population is facing severe hunger as violence and economic instability continue to grip the nation. A new report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) finds that 5.41 million Haitians are experiencing “high levels of acute food insecurity” between August 2024 and February 2025, with gang violence and inflation fueling the crisis.
The report warns that 6,000 people are suffering from “catastrophic levels of hunger” as armed groups continue to disrupt daily life, forcing families from their homes and cutting off access to essential supplies.
Escalating violence in Haiti, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, has severely hampered the delivery of food and humanitarian aid. Armed gangs, which control nearly 80 percent of the city and main roads, have made it difficult for families to access basic food, contributing to the crisis. As a result, food costs now consume up to 70 percent of household income, making it increasingly difficult for families to feed themselves.
The situation is further exacerbated by high inflation and the lingering effects of past climate disasters, including Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and the 2021 earthquake.
Despite international efforts to restore order, including a UN-backed mission led by Kenya, violence continues to escalate. According to the UN, at least 3,661 people have been killed in 2024 alone due to gang violence, and more than 700,000 people have been displaced in recent years.
The report highlights that the humanitarian crisis is unlikely to improve in the near future. Between March and June 2025, the need for food aid is expected to outstrip available aid, as violence continues to disrupt supply chains and exacerbate displacement.
