A new UNICEF report highlights the crisis of child malnutrition in Haiti, where nearly one in thirteen children under five suffer from acute malnutrition. Driven by prolonged insecurity and economic instability, the prevalence of global acute malnutrition has risen to 7.4 percent, severely limiting families' access to essential healthcare and nutritious food.
What is driving the malnutrition crisis?
The surge in child malnutrition in Haiti stems from prolonged insecurity and economic hardship that restrict access to food and health services. Between 2023 and 2026, the prevalence of global acute malnutrition increased from 5.1 percent to 7.4 percent. Grave violations against children, including attacks on schools and hospitals, have tripled, complicating the delivery of life-saving nutritional support to the most vulnerable populations.
Is there any progress in health indicators?
Despite worsening acute malnutrition, the report highlights progress in other health indicators. Chronic malnutrition, or stunting, among children under five declined from 22.8 percent in 2023 to 17.3 percent in 2026. Additionally, early initiation of breastfeeding increased from 48 percent to 68 percent, suggesting that targeted health interventions are having a positive impact in specific areas of child development.
