Cindy McCain, who leads the World Food Program (WFP) of the United Nations, raised the alarm about hunger in Haiti amidst continuing gang violence in the Caribbean nation.
She mentioned that the situation is very risky but they are still operating in the northern and central areas, maintaining school feeding programs despite the evacuation of U.N. personnel.
Haiti is in a state of crisis as rival street gangs have taken control of various areas, including the vicinity of the U.S. embassy in Port-au-Prince.
The violence led to the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry earlier this month and the formation of a transitional presidential council following discussions with Caribbean leaders and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jamaica. Despite the prime minister's resignation, the gangs are still causing violence, blocking distribution routes and preventing civilians from accessing food, water, and other resources.Cindy McCain, widow of the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), emphasized that the crisis in Haiti is not a result of natural disasters but rather a man-made catastrophe.
She called for a diplomatic solution to the crisis, stressing the urgent need for action.
According to the Associated Press, an estimated 1.4 million Haitians are on the brink of famine and over 4 million require food assistance. Some are only able to eat once a day or not at all.
Jean-Martin Bauer, Haiti director for the World Food Program, mentioned that the nation is experiencing prolonged and widespread hunger, with malnutrition rates in the eastern part of Haiti’s capital comparable to those in war zones around the world.
Cindy McCain, the executive director of the United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) sounded the alarm on hunger in Haiti as gang violence rages on in the Caribbean nation. “It’s catastrophic. We…WFP are still in there, and we are working in the north somewhat and somewhat down towards the center, but it’s a very dicey situation.” Associated Press reported, citing aid groups. Some civilians are eating only once a day, or not at all, the news wire added.
Jean-Martin Bauer, Haiti director for the United Nations’ World Food Program told the AP the nation is “facing a protractive and mass hunger,” and that Croix-des-Bouquets, in the eastern part of Haiti’s capital, “has malnutrition rates comparable with any war zone in the world.”
