The executive directors of two U.N. agencies late Tuesday, warned that Haiti’s humanitarian crisis has reached unprecedented levels amid reports of widespread hunger and gang violence.
Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Program said per capita, the number of Haitians facing emergency-level food insecurity is the second highest in the world, with nearly 5 million struggling to eat every day.
She added that more than 115,000 children younger than 5 also are expected to struggle with malnutrition this year, a 30% surge when compared with last year.
McCain told The Associated Press “In many ways, Haiti is forgotten,” and “It is urgent that we pay attention.”
Meanwhile, Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director said “Humanitarian needs are even greater today than after the devastating 2010 earthquake, but with far less resources to respond.”
Both Russell and McCain met with Prime Minister Ariel Henry and other officials during their trips to Haiti.
They are seeking more International assistance for the French-speaking capital of the Caribbean.