The United Nations warned this Friday that more than 250,000 children between six months and eleven years are at risk of suffering from acute malnutrition between June 2026 and May 2027, of which 94,000 are at risk of severe acute malnutrition, in a scenario marked by the violence of armed groups that threatens to further aggravate the humanitarian crisis.
The study, coordinated by the Ministry of Health with the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO), also points out that during this period another approximately 160,000 minors could suffer from moderate acute malnutrition, while 25,750 pregnant and breastfeeding women will require specific nutritional support.
According to the document, the anticipated deterioration for the coming months will increase the need for attention in a greater number of communities, which will add pressure to basic services that many families already have serious difficulties accessing. The text emphasizes that the rise in violence from armed gangs is causing mass displacements — with nearly 1.47 million internally displaced persons by mid-May — and interrupting children's access to food, healthcare, and other essential services.
In this regard, the report predicts that between December 2026 and May 2027 a total of 29 of the 140 municipalities in Haiti will reach Phase 3 of acute malnutrition of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), while Cité Soleil and Cabaret could reach critical levels, corresponding to Phase 4.
"Behind these numbers are children whose lives can change when they receive the right care at the right time," said the UNICEF representative in Haiti, Geeta Narayan, who stated that "the IPC helps identify where the needs are greatest." "We must now use that evidence to reach children sooner, prevent malnutrition, and ensure that none are left without the help they need," she explained.
For its part, the representative of the FAO in the country, Pierre Vauthier, has emphasized that "preventing acute malnutrition requires acting not only on its immediate consequences but also on its underlying causes." "Families must be able to access varied and nutritious foods and produce them. By protecting agricultural livelihoods and strengthening local food production, we can help the most vulnerable households meet their nutritional needs, withstand future crises, and reduce their dependence on humanitarian aid," he argued.
The representative of the WFP in Haiti, Lauren Landis, has reiterated this message by warning that "the rapid deterioration of the situation is a clear reminder that investing in the prevention of malnutrition is not an expense, but a strategic investment in the future of Haiti."
"Every dollar invested today in nutrition, health, school feeding, and support for vulnerable families helps avoid a much greater human, social, and economic impact tomorrow. A well-nourished child is more likely to succeed in school, stay healthy, and contribute productively to the development of their country," she said after the presentation of the data.
In light of this situation, the involved UN agencies have called on the Haitian government, donors, and international organizations to take urgent measures to expand treatment and prevent more children from falling into malnutrition. Among the priorities, they point out "expanding prevention and treatment, prioritizing municipalities whose situation is expected to worsen, through community assessments, early care, provision of therapeutic foods, and nutritional support for pregnant and lactating women."
Likewise, they ask to "ensure access to a nutritious diet and essential services, combining maternal and child nutrition interventions with access to safe water, sanitation, healthcare, and measures to protect household food production and livelihoods," as well as "ensuring safe access and immediate and flexible funding that allows families to access the necessary care and facilitates authorities and humanitarian allies to provide aid, prepare for increased needs, and maintain the humanitarian response."