Source: UN News: Saturday, 02 May 2026 00:02 AM
The hunger crisis in South Sudan is worsening due to conflict and displacement. UN agencies said in a joint statement issued on Tuesday that 78 lakh people in the country are facing severe food insecurity, while 22 lakh children are suffering from acute malnutrition. In South Sudan, 56 percent of the country’s population – more than half the people – could face severe food insecurity between April and July 2026. These people are in the globally recognized Integrated Food Safety Phase Classification system (IPC) Phase 3 or above category. Of these, 73,300 people are in IPC Phase 5, i.e. catastrophic level. This is the most severe level of this warning system and a sharp increase of 160 percent compared to the previous estimate. According to UN agencies, this crisis is being deepened due to increasing conflict, large-scale displacement, economic decline, climate shocks, floods and agricultural production below capacity. Additionally, 25 lakh people are at IPC Phase 4, i.e. emergency level, while 53 lakh people are at IPC Phase 3, i.e. crisis level. Shortage of services Only Jonglei Nearly three lakh people have been displaced, leaving many communities cut off from humanitarian aid. Rising food prices, disruptions in markets and weak purchasing power of households are further increasing food insecurity. Acute malnutrition is also increasing due to reduced access to health and nutrition services. Many services have been damaged or closed due to the conflict. Additionally, lack of supplies and funding has reduced access to life-saving treatment. Outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, malaria and measles are worsening the crisis, especially for children who are already vulnerable and suffering from acute malnutrition. Risk of famine UN agencies have warned that four counties in Upper Nile and Jonglei states are at real risk of famine. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system, 11 counties in Upper Nile, Unity and Jonglei states are at risk of acute malnutrition. 5, meaning it could reach extremely serious levels. Humanitarian aid is being increased in some areas, but its reach is still uneven. Many communities are still unreachable and receiving little or no assistance. World Food Program (WFP)WFPRoss Smith, WHO Director of Emergencies and Preparedness, said: “Since the beginning of the year, we have seen a sharp increase in conflict in Jonglei and the Upper Nile region. Our efforts to reach people in these areas have been repeatedly hindered.” Impact: The nutritional status of children is continuously worsening. The number of children aged six months to five years suffering from acute malnutrition has increased by one lakh compared to six months ago. By July this year, seven lakh children are estimated to be suffering from severe acute malnutrition, the most deadly form of malnutrition. Similarly, 1.2 million pregnant and lactating women are also facing acute malnutrition, putting both mothers and babies at risk. “Women and children are being hit hardest by the conflict. These children are the future of countries, but without immediate assistance, that future is at risk,” said Ross Smith of the World Food Programme. The UN has appealed to the international community and governments to take immediate action. There is an urgent need for funds for food aid, nutrition programs, clean water, sanitation and health services to prevent the situation from worsening.