John Ging, Director of Operations of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) arrived in Haiti Thursday and will stay in the country until February 13, 2016, in order to be aware of the impact of crises in the country, the priority humanitarian needs, the ongoing response, gaps, and to take cognizance of the humanitarian profile of the situation in Haiti.

The humanitarian situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly in 2015 due to the convergence of several factors humanitarian risks. These include an increase in food insecurity; malnutrition due to drought and the prolonged effects of "El Nino"; the persistence of the cholera epidemic; a protection crisis triggered by forced or voluntary return of tens of thousands of Haitians from the Dominican Republic and the remaining displaced people since the earthquake of 2010. In addition, Haiti remains highly vulnerable to major natural hazards.

The visit of the Director of Operations of the UN agency, is designed to provide operational support to humanitarian leadership and the humanitarian community as a whole. In Anse-à-Pitre, Mr. Ging will also have the opportunity to provide an update on the deteriorating living conditions of returnees and deportees Haitians living in sites in Parc cadeau and those living in host communities. He will evaluates vulnerabilities and humanitarian needs and of immediate protection, the current response and possible gaps. This will allow him to appropriate facts and advocate for increased and coordinated response for populations in need.

During the visit, Mr. Ging will met with senior Haitian officials and authorities, vulnerable populations, including women and community leaders as well as the humanitarian community working on both sides of the border between the two countries.

HL/ HaitiLibre