A collapse of law and order, coupled with a significant humanitarian crisis in Haiti, has resulted in the displacement of over 700,000 individuals, with half of them being children, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Recent data released by IOM on Wednesday reveals a 22 percent increase in the number of displaced persons since June.

The organization reported that gang violence has compelled more than 110,000 people to abandon their homes in the past seven months, particularly in Gressier, located to the west of the capital.

Grégoire Goodstein, IOM’s representative in Haiti, emphasized that the alarming rise in displacement highlights the pressing need for a sustained humanitarian response from the international community.

While over 65,000 individuals have returned to the Cité Soleil area near the capital, notorious for violent gang confrontations, these returnees frequently face re-displacement due to ongoing attacks.

As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, IOM continues to deliver essential support to displaced individuals and host communities, although access for aid workers remains perilous in certain regions.

The organization reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the Government of Haiti and international partners to provide life-saving assistance and develop long-term solutions for those displaced.

IOM stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to restore stability and security throughout the country, alongside humanitarian aid to mitigate immediate suffering.

In a related context, global immunization rates have fallen below pre-pandemic levels, with the number of children who have not received any vaccinations rising to 14.5 million.

This concerning statistic was highlighted by a group of health experts convened by the UN World Health Organization (WHO), which noted that more than half of these "zero-dose" children reside in 31 predominantly developing nations.

Numerous nations are characterized as fragile and affected by conflict, as noted by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE).

The group attributed the challenges in reaching vulnerable children to a lack of political commitment and declining investments in immunisation initiatives.

Additionally, SAGE provided updated vaccine recommendations for low- and middle-income countries facing a significant burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among children.

This prevalent virus impacts the nose, throat, and lungs, and is a leading cause of hospitalizations among both children and the elderly.

Dr. Hanna Nohynek, Chair of SAGE, stated, "There is clearly a substantial benefit to be gained, which is why we recommend that all countries implement either maternal vaccination or the use of monoclonal antibodies to safeguard young children."

She further noted that RSV cases have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, now representing about one-third of hospitalizations for lower respiratory infections worldwide. "Almost all fatalities from the virus occur in low- and middle-income countries," she emphasized.