Hunger crisis deepens in South Sudan amid conflict, floods, monitor says

"More than 7.55 million people in South Sudan will face malnutrition during next year's April-to-July lean season, when food supplies are usually lower, according to a global hunger monitor. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a United Nations-backed food security watchdog, issued the stark warning on Tuesday, projecting that hunger will worsen dramatically in the coming months as fighting between rival political factions intensifies and global aid funding dwindles."

"About 5.97 million South Sudanese, 42 percent of the population analysed, are currently facing acute malnutrition, the IPC said. Some 28,000 people in Luakpiny Nasir and Fangak are already classified as living in catastrophic conditions, the IPC's most severe category, amid persistent conflict and flooding. Six counties are projected to hit the most critical levels of acute malnutrition in 2026, primarily due to conflict-driven displacement and restricted access to food, water and health services, as well as a spreading cholera outbreak, the report said."

"More than 2.1 million children under five and 1.15 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are at risk of acute malnutrition by June 2026, it said. The high severity of acute food insecurity in South Sudan is of great concern, requiring an immediate and large-scale response to save lives, the IPC report said. Humanitarian access remains one of the most critical challenges, the report said."

More than 7.55 million people in South Sudan will face malnutrition during the April–July 2026 lean season when food supplies are lower. Renewed fighting, floods, looting and shrinking global aid funding are driving a dramatic deterioration in food security and isolating communities. About 5.97 million people — 42 percent of the analysed population — currently face acute malnutrition, with roughly 28,000 in Luakpiny Nasir and Fangak living in catastrophic conditions. Six counties are expected to reach the most severe acute malnutrition levels in 2026 due to conflict-driven displacement, restricted access to food, water and health services, and a spreading cholera outbreak. More than 2.1 million children under five and 1.15 million pregnant and breastfeeding women will be at risk by June 2026.

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