Haiti

Introduction

Haiti is a chronically fragile state, highly vulnerable to natural hazards and human-induced disasters. The country is presently facing a surge in armed-group violence amidst deep socio-political instability.

Violence has reached unprecedented levels: more than 85% of the capital Port-Au-Prince is under control of armed groups and half of the population (6 million people) is in need of humanitarian aid.

Facts & figures

Through its humanitarian efforts, the EU provides vital support to those in need.

6 million people in need of humanitarian aid

over 1.4 million people
internally displaced
5.7 million people
estimated to be acute food insecure
130,000 children aged 6-59 months are at risk of severe acute malnutrition (SAM)

EU humanitarian funding:

€591,5 million since 1994

€23 million in 2026

What are the needs?

Food insecurity

Haiti has been grappling with a food crisis for the past 5 years. The recurrent armed group attacks in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince and in other departments of the country (Artibonite and Centre) have created a hostage-like situation for people, making it difficult for them to access basic services such as food, drinking water and health.

Some 5.7 million people (nearly 50% of the population) are currently facing acute food insecurity, 2 million of which are living in immediate need of help. About 130,000 children aged 6-59 months, pregnant and nursing women are at risk of acute malnutrition, and 165,000 suffering from moderate malnutrition. This is mainly due to exacerbated violence, intensified forced displacement and continued high level of inflation.

Displaced people

Over 1.4 million people had to flee their homes to survive, often more than once, becoming internally displaced. As they are sheltered in host communities and makeshift sites (mainly in schools, churches, or public squares), they remain exposed to significant protection concerns with a severe incidence of sexual violence, exploitation and abuses.Additionally, the Dominican migration authorities continue mass deportations of Haitians and their descendants. In 2025, over 270,000 people have been deported.

The extreme levels of violence have also made it challenging for children to access education. Many schools have closed and many of them are increasingly used as shelters for internally displaced people. At the same time recruitment of children into armed groups increased by 70% in 2024, it is estimated that 50% of gang members are minors.

Access to health services

In addition, only 40% of health facilities in the capital remain fully operational, including only a single public hospital open. In 2025, more than 4,300 suspected cases of cholera were recorded, lack of access to water and extreme insecurity continue exacerbating the cholera situation.

Furthermore, the airport in Port-au-Prince is dysfunctional since November 2024.

How are we helping?

With €591,5 million allocated since 1994, Haiti is the main recipient of EU humanitarian aid in Latin America and the Caribbean. For 2026, the initial allocation is €23 million.

In 2025, the EU allocated nearly €35.9 million to address the needs of the most vulnerable population. This includes €1,5 million in emergency humanitarian funding to support cholera prevention and response efforts in Haiti, particularly following the increase in cases in the capital and the West and Artibonite departments. Following the impact of hurricane Melissa, the EU also released €1 million in emergency humanitarian funding to support the hardest-hit communities. Furthermore, it organised an EU-funded Humanitarian Air Bridge operation that delivered 30 tonnes of essential supplies.

Among the different areas of intervention, the funding aims to:

address the survival needs of people affected by the recent increase in political and gang-related violence, including forcibly displaced people
strengthen the capacity of communities to respond to disasters
help provide children with access to quality education in a safe environment
support the emergency response to the cholera epidemic currently affecting Haiti
improve coordination and security management for the humanitarian community

Additionally, in 2025 the EU released €6.4 million for an EU Humanitarian Air Flight (a regular air connection) to reach the capital Port-au-Prince.

In April and May 2024, the EU activated 2 EU Humanitarian Air Bridge operations shipping 107 tonnes of relief items from Panama to Cap-Haïtien.

Disaster preparedness

Since 1998, the EU has invested around €38 million in its disaster preparedness programme, aiming to put in place early warning systems and rapid response capacities.

This funding aims to strengthen the emergency response through strategic partners working closely with national response bodies against recurring natural hazards. Improving the resilience of the most vulnerable communities to natural and epidemic risks remains a priority.

A Memorandum of Understanding on disaster risk management has been established as a new collaboration instrument between the European Union and the Latin America and Caribbean region. This agreement focuses on disaster preparedness and risk management, and it became effective in May 2024. Regional disaster management agencies, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), have signed as parties to the agreement.

_{Last updated: 27/01/2026}