UN agencies have issued a dire warning as South Sudan plunges into a worsening hunger crisis, with 7.8 million people projected to face acute food insecurity by July 2026. This represents 56% of the population—one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the world, according to a press release from UNICEF.
The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis reveals a staggering 160% increase in those facing “Catastrophe” (Phase 5), the most severe level of hunger. The crisis is driven by a combination of escalating conflict, mass displacement, economic decline, and climate shocks such as flooding, which have decimated agricultural production. In particular, the regions of Upper Nile and Jonglei are facing a credible risk of famine due to ongoing violence and humanitarian blockages.
Key Crisis Statistics:
73,300 people are facing Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5), the most severe hunger level.
2.2 million children are suffering from acute malnutrition.
700,000 children are projected to face severe acute malnutrition, the deadliest form of wasting.
1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are acutely malnourished.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF report that conflict has cut off humanitarian access and decimated health services, while disease outbreaks like cholera compound the suffering. The agencies warn of a “credible risk of famine” in four counties across Upper Nile and Jonglei states if access remains restricted.
“We are witnessing a deadly downward spiral,” said Lucia Elmi of UNICEF, warning that 2.2 million children are suffering from acute malnutrition, including nearly 700,000 at risk of dying from severe wasting, as she called on all parties to ensure timely and safe humanitarian access and scale up nutrition interventions to save children’s lives.