Overall progress
Context:
The humanitarian crisis in Haiti continues to be complex and in constant deterioration.
Recently UNICEF1 published a press release where it references “rampant violence in Haiti's capital is escalating in Artibonite, the country's main rice-growing region, terrorizing children, adolescents and families and destroying livelihoods at a time of unprecedented hunger and malnutrition and a resurgent cholera epidemic:”
-
Between May and June 2023, at least 60 people were killed or injured in clashes over territory and resources between armed groups, compared to four people during the same period last year. Nearly half of the 298 kidnappings nationwide during that period occurred in Bas Artibonite, or lower Artibonite, mostly involving civilians traveling on public transport. In one incident, 15 women on their way to market were kidnapped and raped.
-
More than 100 schools have closed due to insecurity and only one in four health facilities across the department remain accessible due to security-related challenges.
Approximately one-third of the population, almost half being children and adolescents, are now in need of humanitarian assistance. -
The combination of growing insecurity, restricted access to essential health, water and sanitation services, and cholera pose particularly lethal threats to children and adolescents with malnutrition. At least 115,000 children and adolescents in Haiti are expected to suffer from life-threatening malnutrition this year, a 30 percent increase from 2022. In Artibonite, the number of children and adolescents requiring life-saving treatment is estimated to have more than doubled since 2020.
Key achievements: The following highlights of the implementation of the Unified Plan best describe the IFRC Network’s progress during these first 6 months of 2023:
IFRC
2021 – 2023 Earthquake and Cholera Emergency Appeal:
✓ IFRC continues to support the Haiti Red Cross Society (HRCS) with human resources through its Surge Mechanism (for example: Operations Manager, Security Officer rotations, WASH and PMER Officers).
USAID/BHA Building Trust
✓ Follow up perception Survey in Les Nippes Department to address cholera vaccination hesitancy.
✓ 64,633 people covered with activities that aim at increase of knowledge and awareness of cholera.
✓ 4,689 people reached with vaccination awareness and information.
✓ 30 HRCS WASH community health volunteers trained.
USAID BHA Strengthening disaster Preparedness for Effective Response
✓ Strengthening National Society readiness to respond during emergencies.
Country Plan
✓ Capacity Strengthening of Haiti Red Cross Society Health Services
✓ Strengthening of Ambulance Services through the purchase and delivery of equipment.