In a recent government meeting, Lisa Daughton, the director of finance and partnership for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), highlighted the urgent challenges facing humanitarian efforts in Haiti and the broader Caribbean region. As the hurricane season approaches, which runs from June to November, Daughton emphasized the critical need for increased funding to support local NGOs and humanitarian partners delivering essential assistance.

Daughton warned that funding shortfalls have already led to reductions in vital services, including cash assistance, mental health support, and shelter for survivors of gender-based violence. She stressed that without immediate financial support, core programs may be suspended just as the needs are escalating. This situation is particularly dire in Haiti, where over a million people are currently displaced due to ongoing conflict and insecurity. The number of individuals living in displacement sites has nearly doubled in recent months, with many residing in flood-prone areas lacking adequate shelter and sanitation.

OCHA is actively working with governments and partners to enhance preparedness for the upcoming hurricane season. Recent efforts include contingency planning, mapping high-risk areas, and reinforcing early warning systems. However, the lack of prepositioned supplies and funding remains a significant barrier. Of the $908 million requested for humanitarian needs in Haiti, only 8% has been funded, leaving a critical gap in resources.

As the region braces for potentially severe storms, the need for coordinated response mechanisms and increased financial support is more pressing than ever. The discussions at this meeting underscore the importance of addressing funding challenges to ensure that humanitarian efforts can continue to meet the rising needs of vulnerable populations in Haiti and beyond.