# Child malnutrition trends in Haiti

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/child-malnutrition-trends-in-haiti
> Updated: 2026-09-30T14:45:49.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

In Haiti, the 2026 SMART National Nutrition Survey indicates a significant rise in acute malnutrition among children aged six to 59 months, increasing from 5.1% in 2023 to 7.4% in 2026. UNICEF Deputy Representative Yannig Dussart attributed these findings to persistent insecurity, economic hardship, and growing humanitarian needs, which have limited access to nutritious food and healthcare.

While acute malnutrition has risen, other indicators have improved. Chronic malnutrition, or stunting, among children under five declined from 22.8% in 2023 to 17.3% in 2026. Additionally, rates of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding have both seen increases over the same period.

## Claims

- At least one in five Lebanese households report children go to bed hungry. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- About 31 percent of surveyed families reported their children missed necessary medical care due to costs. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 14 percent of families reported at least one child is working, more than double the rate from January 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Approximately 12 percent of injured children are living with disabilities. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Approximately 20 percent of families lack sufficient safe drinking water. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- An estimated 770,000 children and young people in Lebanon are suffering psychological distress. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Since March 2, 2026, at least 261 children have been killed and 1,056 injured in the conflict. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The conflict has resulted in 436 schools being damaged or destroyed. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Lebanon: UNICEF reports one in five children face hunger

UNICEF reports that one in five Lebanese households face child hunger, with 770,000 children suffering psychological distress due to ongoing conflict and economic instability.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lebanon-one-in-five-households-face-child-hunger-unicef-reports

### 2026-08-31: Haiti reports rising acute malnutrition in children

Haiti has seen a rise in acute malnutrition among children, reaching 7.4% in 2026, driven by insecurity and economic hardship, despite improvements in stunting and breastfeeding rates.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/haiti-reports-rising-acute-malnutrition-in-children

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Cite as: Child malnutrition trends in Haiti. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/child-malnutrition-trends-in-haiti