At just six months old, Denise’s* life was threatened by severe acute malnutrition
She was born in Gonaïves, Haiti, where conflict and natural disasters had been wreaking havoc on the country’s food systems and economy. Her mother tried to make enough income to support them both, but buying food was a struggle. At times, Denise’s aunt would provide extra food, but even then, there were days Denise went hungry. This precarious situation soon had serious consequences for her health.
Knowing something was wrong, Denise’s mother went to a community health post supported by Action Against Hunger. Health workers identified signs of severe acute malnutrition with complications in Denise, meaning she would need intensive treatment. They urgently referred her to Hôspital de la Providence des Gonaïves, where more advanced health services could be provided
At first, her mother hesitated. Affording food was a struggle, let alone an expensive and dangerous journey. She was also unconvinced by the medical advice she received, believing spiritual causes might be responsible for Denise’s illness. With support and counseling Action Against Hunger’s health and protection teams, she ultimately agreed to trust their advice and bring Denise to the hospital.
Once there, Denise was immediately started treatment and was monitored closely. With funding from the European Union, Action Against Hunger provided food Denise’s mother, so she could stay by Denise’s side
Little by little, Denise began to respond to therapeutic feeding and medical care. After several weeks, she was strong enough to leave the hospital and continue her treatment through outpatient care at Pont Gaudin. Regular follow-up visits helped ensure that her recovery continued, and her condition improved from severe to moderate malnutrition before eventually stabilizing
The experience also transformed Denise’s mother’s understanding of malnutrition and child health. Through counseling and support, she learned about infant and young child feeding, hygiene, and the importance of seeking medical care early
As a member of a mother-to-mother support group, she now shares what she has learned with other mothers in her community. Her experience is helping challenge misconceptions about malnutrition and encouraging families to recognize it as a medical emergency that requires timely professional care
Today, Denise is healthy and strong. Her recovery shows what is possible when malnutrition is identified early and families can access the medical, nutritional, and psychosocial support they need
How Action Against Hunger Is Addressing Hunger in Haiti
Haiti continues to face a severe hunger crisis. More than half of the country’s population—about 5.83 million people—are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity.
Multiple crises are driving hunger and making it harder for families to meet their basic needs. Poverty, conflict, natural disasters, and inflation disrupt farming and trade, limit access to markets, and make food increasingly unaffordable. Women, children, and displaced families are among those facing the greatest risks.
With funding from the European Union, Action Against Hunger takes a multisectoral approach to address both the immediate and underlying causes of hunger. Our work includes nutrition and health services, food security and livelihoods support, water and sanitation, <a href="https://lumeamara.online/?p=5684" title="How to design a space habitat that supports its residents’ mental health“>mental health and psychosocial support, and community-based programs that help families build resilience
Denise’s story is a reminder that behind every statistic is a child, a family, and a community with the potential to recover. With timely care, compassionate support, and the right ree their families gain the knowledge and tools needed to support healthier communities
*Names were changed to respect privacy
*Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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