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WFP: Hundreds of Thousands of Haitians on the Verge of Famine

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - The World Food Program warns Haiti is approaching
   famine like conditions, with more than 1 in 3 people in the country of
   11 million in need of urgent assistance.

   A food assessment in October finds 1 million of the nearly 3.7 million
   people suffering severe food shortages in Haiti are facing an emergency
   and are on the brink of famine.

   The World Food Program reports food insecurity in Haiti's rural areas
   has increased by 15% since the last analysis, in December. For the
   first time, the assessment shows 850,000 people in the capital
   Port-au-Prince are suffering severe hunger, with many not sure when
   they will eat again.

   To compound this dramatic situation, WFP spokesman Herve Verhoosel said
   humanitarian agencies' efforts to reach people in need have been
   hampered by security problems during the past seven weeks.

   For example, he said WFP school feeding programs have been badly
   affected and many deliveries have had to be postponed. He said this is
   creating hardships for some of the most vulnerable communities in
   Haiti, which count on this assistance to provide food to families.

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