Important Facts of the News
- Over 7.56 million people in South Sudan are projected to face crisis or worse levels of hunger during April to July 2026.
- More than 2 million children are expected to experience acute malnutrition during the same period.
- Approximately 28,000 people in Luakpiny/Nasir and Fangak counties are facing Catastrophic (IPC Phase 5) hunger levels.
- Southern Luakpiny/Nasir County is at risk of famine if conflict and access challenges persist.
- High hunger levels are driven by conflict, displacement, restricted access, economic challenges, climate shocks, and weakened coping systems.
- Slight improvements are observed in some counties where peace has held.
- Six counties are projected to reach critical levels of acute malnutrition in 2026.
- By June 2026, 2.1 million children under five and 1.1 million mothers may face acute malnutrition.
South Sudan continues to face an increasingly severe food and nutrition emergency, with new projections indicating further deterioration unless large-scale humanitarian support is ensured. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification assessment indicates that more than half of the country’s population could endure crisis-level hunger or worse during the coming lean months from April to July 2026.
Escalating Hardship Across Regions
Widespread food insecurity remains evident across several regions. Around 28,000 individuals in Luakpiny/Nasir and Fangak counties are already facing the most extreme category of hunger. The southern parts of Luakpiny/Nasir could experience famine if conflict continues, access to communities remains blocked, and flooding and disease outbreaks persist.
A mix of escalating conflict, large-scale displacement, poor market access, unstable economic conditions, and climate-related damage has weakened the ability of families to cope. However, areas where stability has been maintained show modest progress in restoring food availability.
Humanitarian Access Still a Major Barrier
The ability to reach communities remains one of the most pressing limitations. Insecurity, road inaccessibility, looting incidents, and floods have left many settlements isolated for extended periods. These conditions are preventing essential food, nutrition supplies, and medical care from reaching people in urgent need.
Impact on Children and Mothers
An unprecedented number of counties are expected to record critical levels of acute malnutrition in 2026. An estimated 2.1 million children under the age of five, along with about 1.1 million pregnant and breastfeeding women, may experience acute malnutrition by June next year. The situation is further compounded by distressing displacement patterns and interruptions in health and nutrition services.
Humanitarian agencies emphasize that the window to prevent a deeper crisis is narrowing. Sustained and unhindered relief efforts are needed to protect lives and support communities at risk.