Preliminary findings from the 2026 National Nutrition SMART Survey, released by UNICEF on 28 August 2026, indicate that roughly one in thirteen children in Haiti aged 6 to 59 months has acute malnutrition. Global acute malnutrition in that age group, defined as moderate or severe wasting or nutritional swelling, rose from 5.1 per cent in 2023 to 7.4 per cent in 2026, the survey found.

UNICEF Deputy Representative in Haiti Yannig Dussart linked the increase to prolonged insecurity, economic hardship and humanitarian needs limiting families' access to nutritious food, health care and nutrition services. The survey also reported declines in chronic malnutrition, or stunting, among children under five, from 22.8 per cent in 2023 to 17.3 per cent in 2026, and higher rates of early and exclusive breastfeeding over the same period.

The survey was conducted by Haiti's Ministry of Public Health and Population with UNICEF support. A fuller analysis and an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition are expected in the coming month, UNICEF said. The agency reported a funding gap of more than 64 per cent for nutrition interventions under its 2026 Humanitarian Action for Children appeal.