Hunger Crisis Escalates in South Sudan as War Refugees and Children Face Dire Food Insecurity
A grim report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) highlights that food insecurity is reaching unprecedented levels in South Sudan, with 57 percent of the population projected to suffer from acute hunger through the lean season of 2025. The latest data reveals that returnees fleeing the war in Sudan and young children will bear the brunt of this worsening crisis amidst escalating economic pressures and climate extremes.
The findings, released today, indicate a staggering 85 percent of returnees from Sudan are projected to be acutely food insecure as the next lean season approaches in April. These individuals, fleeing conflict, will constitute nearly half of those experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger, compounded by severe flooding, an economic downturn, and insufficient funding to address their needs.
“The emergence of the economic crisis and soaring food prices highlights the urgent need for increased investment in local food production,” said Meshack Malo, Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in South Sudan. “This approach can reduce household food costs, create jobs in agriculture, and improve overall household incomes, allowing families access to healthier diets.”
While returnees are disproportionately affected, many communities throughout South Sudan are enduring significant hardships due to ongoing economic instability, extreme weather events, and persistent conflict.
“Year after year, we witness hunger reaching alarming new heights in South Sudan,” stated Mary-Ellen McGroarty, Country Director for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). “To combat hunger effectively, we must address the root causes, emphasizing the need for peace and stability, alongside opportunities for community resilience.”
The crisis is especially dire for children, with nearly 2.1 million at risk of malnutrition, a significant increase from 1.65 million previously reported. Poor sanitation and waterborne diseases are major contributors, forcing children to return to nutrition centers multiple times a year. Of the children surveyed, nearly half reported being ill within the two weeks prior to data collection.
“Malnutrition results from a complex interplay of crises, particularly poor sanitation conditions and severe food insecurity,” warned Ms. Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF Representative in South Sudan. “Without immediate actions to mitigate these root causes and provide urgent nutrition support, the number of affected children and mothers will only escalate, putting lives at risk.”
The IPC projections paint a bleak picture, estimating that nearly 7.7 million people – or 57 percent of South Sudan’s population – will face acute food insecurity in the upcoming lean season, up from 7.1 million this year.
As the humanitarian community braces for worsening conditions, urgent calls for increased support and sustainable solutions are echoed by international agencies striving to combat this relentless hunger crisis.
