Approximately one in thirteen children aged six months to five years in Haiti is experiencing acute malnutrition, according to preliminary findings released by UNICEF from the 2026 National Nutrition SMART Survey. The data shows that the prevalence of global acute malnutrition among young children in the country climbed from 5.1 percent in 2023 to 7.4 percent in 2026, driven by prolonged insecurity and economic hardship.
Rising Malnutrition Rates Amid Prolonged Insecurity
The 2026 National Nutrition SMART Survey, published on August 28, 2026, highlights a worsening crisis for families trying to secure sufficient food, health care, and nutrition services. According to UNICEF Deputy Representative in Haiti Yannig Dussart, the negative trend stems from ongoing instability that constrains humanitarian access. Acute malnutrition happens when children fail to receive enough nutritious food or suffer from repeated illnesses, a condition that can turn life-threatening quickly without timely intervention.
Children suffering from severe acute malnutrition face a high risk of death, especially when compounded by limited access to medical care. Compounding these threats, UNICEF reports that grave violations against children—including attacks on schools and hospitals and the denial of humanitarian support—have tripled between 2023 and 2025.
Improvements in Chronic Malnutrition and Breastfeeding
Despite the sharp rise in acute wasting cases, the 2026 survey identifies measurable progress in several other critical child health indicators. Chronic malnutrition, or stunting, among children under five dropped from 22.8 percent in 2023 to 17.3 percent in 2026.
Maternal and infant nutrition practices also showed substantial gains across the three-year period:
- Early initiation of breastfeeding rose from 48 percent in 2023 to 68 percent in 2026.
- Exclusive breastfeeding rates increased from 17.5 percent to 33 percent over the same timeframe.
Emergency Response and Funding Gaps
In response to the deteriorating nutritional numbers, UNICEF and its partners are collaborating with the Ministry of Public Health and Population to expand screening and treatment programs. These efforts deploy community health workers and mobile teams into hard-to-reach and insecure areas to reach vulnerable children.
A comprehensive analysis of the survey results, combined with an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN), is expected within the month to further guide the humanitarian response. Meanwhile, UNICEF warns of a severe funding shortfall, noting a funding gap of more than 64 percent for nutrition interventions under its 2026 Humanitarian Action for Children appeal, and is urging donors for immediate financial support to sustain therapeutic food supplies and lifesaving care.
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