Hunger and Malnutrition Deepen as Conflict and Access Constraints Persist in South Sudan.
UN agencies warn of worsening crisis threatening millions as conflict, floods, and disease restrict humanitarian access.
JUBA, South Sudan:
The United Nations has sounded the alarm over a deepening food and nutrition crisis in South Sudan, warning that the situation could deteriorate sharply unless urgent and sustained humanitarian action is taken.
According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report released today, more than 7.56 million people—over half of South Sudan’s population—are projected to face crisis or worse levels of hunger during the upcoming 2026 lean season from April to July. In addition, an estimated 2 million children are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition during this period.
The report reveals that food insecurity has become increasingly widespread, with some 28,000 people in Luakpiny/Nasir and Fangak counties facing Catastrophic (IPC Phase 5) levels of hunger—the most severe classification. The southern parts of Luakpiny/Nasir County are at particular risk of famine if current trends continue, especially under conditions of ongoing conflict, access restrictions, flooding, and outbreaks of disease.
Drivers of the Crisis
The humanitarian community attributes the worsening crisis to a combination of conflict, widespread displacement, limited access for aid delivery, economic instability, climatic shocks, and the erosion of livelihoods and coping capacities. Together, these challenges are pushing families to the brink of survival.
“The hunger we are witnessing in South Sudan partly stems from disrupted agricultural seasons and agri-food systems that are insufficient to meet the country’s food needs,” said Meshack Malo, FAO Representative in South Sudan. “Achieving lasting peace and revitalizing agri-food systems are essential to ending hunger. When fields are cultivated and markets are restored, families will reclaim their dignity.”
While some regions that have maintained peace are seeing modest improvements in food security, much of the country remains in crisis. Humanitarian access has emerged as one of the most significant barriers to effective response. Insecurity, looting, poor infrastructure, and seasonal flooding continue to isolate entire communities, preventing the delivery of vital food, nutrition, and health services.
“This is an alarming trajectory,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Country Director in South Sudan. “The persistent hunger levels remain deeply troubling. In counties where peace has held and humanitarian actors have consistent access, we are witnessing early signs of recovery. However, this fragile progress must be sustained and expanded to ensure lasting positive change across all affected communities.”
Rising Malnutrition Threatens Millions
The IPC report also highlights that an unprecedented six counties are projected to reach the most critical levels of acute malnutrition in 2026. This is primarily due to conflict-driven displacement, restricted access to food and health services, and a spreading cholera outbreak.
By June 2026, an estimated 2.1 million children under five and 1.1 million mothers are expected to be at risk of acute malnutrition.
“This analysis paints a very worrying picture, with persistent high levels of severe malnutrition for the youngest children,” said Noala Skinner, UNICEF Representative in South Sudan. “These children are not to blame for the circumstances that have caused displacement or the closure of nutrition sites. Safe access and continuity of life-saving health and nutrition services are critical and urgent.”
Call for Immediate Action
Humanitarian agencies warn that the window to act is rapidly closing. Without immediate and unhindered access to vulnerable populations, the situation could spiral into a deeper humanitarian catastrophe.
The UN and its partners are calling for urgent, coordinated, and sustained support from the international community to:
- Scale up life-saving food and nutrition assistance,
- Re-establish agricultural production where possible,
- Restore market access and basic infrastructure, and
- Ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all affected regions.
“The time to respond is now,” the agencies emphasized jointly. “Every delay costs lives and deepens the suffering of millions of South Sudanese families.”
