Posted on 03 May 2024
As gang violence escalates in Haiti, the World Food Programme (WFP) is issuing an urgent call for international aid to address the burgeoning hunger crisis. The situation has reached a critical point, with the WFP’s Haiti chief, Jean-Martin Bauer, pointing out the dire need for global attention and support. Despite the challenges, including an attack on the capital’s airport and the resignation of Haiti’s acting Prime Minister Ariel Henri, the WFP remains committed to its mission. Bauer, known for his resilience, managed to return to Haiti via a perilous road journey, highlighting the determination of WFP staff to continue their life-saving work.
The first quarter of 2024 has seen a threefold increase in killings compared to the same period in 2023, with a staggering 1,660 lives lost. Thousands have been displaced, seeking refuge in schools, churches, and health centers. In response, the WFP has provided approximately 655,400 hot meals to over 88,623 people in Port-au-Prince alone. The organization has established a central kitchen in partnership with local associations, utilizing WFP-supplied rice and beans, as well as fresh local produce. However, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has soared to 362,000, up from 100,000 a year ago, emphasizing the growing scale of the crisis. With nearly half of Haiti’s population facing acute food insecurity, the WFP’s call for assistance is more critical than ever.
Source: World Good Programme