A new national nutrition survey in Haiti reveals an increase in acute malnutrition among children since 2023. According to preliminary results of the SMART National Nutrition Survey 2026, published Friday, August 28, the prevalence of global acute malnutrition among Haitian children aged 6 to 59 months, defined as moderate or severe wasting or nutritional edema, increased from 5.1% to 7.4% between 2023 and 2026.

"These results come against a backdrop of persistent insecurity, economic hardship, and humanitarian needs that continue to limit families’ access to adequate nutritious food, healthcare, and nutrition services," said Yannig Dussart, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Haiti. "Preventing and treating malnutrition in Haiti requires urgent action and attention from stakeholders and relevant actors to ensure children have access to the life-saving services they need."

Acute malnutrition, which occurs when children do not receive sufficient nutritious food or suffer from repeated illnesses, can quickly become life-threatening without prompt treatment. Children with severe acute malnutrition are at high risk of death, especially when this malnutrition is associated with illness and limited access to medical care.

Between 2023 and 2025, serious violations of children’s rights, including denial of access to humanitarian aid and attacks on schools and hospitals where children receive nutrition services, tripled.

Despite this worsening of acute malnutrition, the survey reveals progress on other indicators. The prevalence of chronic malnutrition, or stunting, among children under five years of age has decreased from 22.8% in 2023 to 17.3% in 2026. Early initiation of breastfeeding has increased from 48% in 2023 to 68% in 2026, while exclusive breastfeeding has risen from 17.5% to 33%.

UNICEF and its partners are working with the Ministry of Public Health to scale up screening and treatment for malnourished children, including through community health workers and mobile teams operating in hard-to-reach and insecure areas. A more comprehensive analysis of the survey results, combined with an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN), is expected next month and will inform the humanitarian and development response.

In response to the worsening humanitarian situation in Haiti, UNICEF is launching an urgent appeal for increased support to fill a funding gap of over 64% for nutrition interventions as part of its Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) 2026 appeal. With adequate resources, UNICEF and its partners can save lives, protect children from the devastating consequences of malnutrition, and ensure that those most at risk receive the care and support they urgently need.

Download the preliminary survey (PDF in French, 52 pages) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/enquete-nationale-nutritionnelle-smart-2026.pdf

HL/ HaitiLibre