An unprecedented number of over 720,000 refugees and returnees have fled the escalating conflict in neighboring Sudan and are now facing a severe hunger crisis in South Sudan. As food insecurity rises and the humanitarian situation deteriorates, the situation is becoming increasingly dire.
The already concerning levels of hunger and acute malnutrition in South Sudan are expected to worsen during the current lean season, when food supplies are low and prices are high due to inflation. Vulnerable households, especially in regions hosting returnees and refugees, are further affected by the unusually heavy rainy season, which is causing severe flooding. Without significant support in South Sudan, more than 7 million people, over half of the country’s population, are at risk of experiencing hunger by the end of the year, with 79,000 people facing extreme starvation. Children are particularly vulnerable, with 1.65 million severely malnourished children under five in danger of death without proper nutrition and treatment.
Caroline Sekyewa, IRC South Sudan Country Director, expressed concern, saying, “Families are resorting to extreme measures to cope, including going without food for days. Malnourished children who survive this crisis may face stunted growth and developmental challenges. Urgent nutritional interventions are crucial to reduce mortality rates, especially among vulnerable children.”
To address the worsening hunger crisis, IRC is expanding its life-saving nutritional interventions. A rapid response team has been deployed to assist refugees at the Aweil East entry point and transit center in the country’s northwest, one of the areas with the highest hunger levels. The team will screen all children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women upon arrival, providing necessary treatment.
IRC will also implement an infant and young child feeding program through mobile nutrition services at entry points and transit sites. Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance the capacity of healthcare workers in raising awareness and strengthening referral systems.
Despite efforts to increase humanitarian aid, only 30% of the required $1.7 billion to alleviate suffering in South Sudan has been met, while in Sudan, the humanitarian appeal has only reached 31.5% of the $2.7 billion needed.
The IRC Response in South Sudan
The IRC is dedicated to supporting those affected by conflict and crisis, including women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, refugees, and mixed populations. Since the beginning of the crisis in Sudan, the IRC in South Sudan has been providing life-saving assistance to refugees and returnees, addressing emergency needs and protection concerns at entry points. Through various programs, the IRC offers services in women’s protection and empowerment, gender-based violence prevention and response, protection, health, water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition, child protection, economic empowerment, and livelihoods to help impacted populations rebuild their future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC).