Central Haiti: Over 10,000 Survival Kits Distributed to Internally Displaced Persons

HINCHE, Haiti.— In response to the growing humanitarian crisis in the Central department, the Haitian government conducted a large-scale solidarity operation this weekend. A joint delegation from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MAST), the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES), and the Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC) distributed over 10,000 survival kits to internally displaced persons (IDPs), victims of recent armed violence in the country. A significant gesture in the most affected communes The communes of Hinche, Boucan Carré, Lascahobas, and Belladère were the main beneficiaries of this humanitarian intervention. These localities currently host hundreds of families who have fled insecurity in other regions. The distributed kits contain food items, hygiene products, and waterproof tarpaulins to protect makeshift shelters from bad weather. «The government remains mobilized to support our most vulnerable compatriots,» affirmed Myriam Fétière, chief of staff to the Minister of Social Affairs. She acknowledged that this aid, while crucial, remains temporary and promised to relay the grievances of the displaced to the central authorities. Six community restaurants opened to combat hunger In parallel, the government delegation proceeded with the establishment of six community restaurants in the most impacted areas. This initiative is part of MAST's program to combat food poverty. «This initiative aims not only to alleviate hunger but also to create temporary jobs for women in local communities,» explained Jean Samuel Jean François, Director of the fight against poverty within the ministry. These free restaurants are distributed as follows: 2 in Hinche, 2 in Boucan Carré, 1 in Thomonde, and 1 in Belladère, the latter hosting both IDPs and individuals deported from the Dominican Republic. A structured and coordinated operation To ensure maximum effectiveness, MAST mobilized two strategic units: one responsible for fieldwork and data collection, and the other dedicated to the planning and logistics of the intervention. «An exploratory mission had already assessed the situation. We also met with local authorities, camp committees, and security services to ensure an orderly distribution,» specified Jean François. Local authorities involved and grateful The kits were handed over to municipal authorities to ensure equitable distribution to identified beneficiaries. In Boucan Carré, deputy mayor Gracia Michel welcomed the government's support. «This gesture is a great relief for our commune, which hosts hundreds of displaced families without resources. We thank the government for this support,» he said. According to the figures released, the mission enabled the distribution of 10,000 no-cook food kits, 1,550 hygiene kits, and the establishment of six free meal distribution points. A majority of displaced persons hosted in homes According to official data, approximately 72% of internally displaced persons in the Central department are housed in host families, while 23% live in makeshift camps, often in precarious conditions. This operation demonstrates a multisectoral governmental coordination effort in the face of the humanitarian emergency. However, the needs remain immense, and local authorities are already calling for continued support in the coming weeks. Jean Mapou