South Sudan’s hunger crisis is deepening as conflict and displacement push 7.8 million people into high levels of acute food insecurity, UN agencies reported on Tuesday. Of those affected, 2.2 million children are suffering from acute malnutrition, and 73 300 individuals are projected to face catastrophic conditions (IPC Phase 5), a 160 percent rise from the previous estimate.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) indicates that 56 percent of the country’s population will experience severe food insecurity between April and July 2026, reaching Phase 3 or higher. An additional 2.5 million people are expected to be in Phase 4 (Emergency), while 5.3 million will remain in Phase 3 (Crisis).
UN officials attribute the worsening situation to a combination of escalating armed conflict, mass displacement, economic decline, climate‑related shocks, flooding, and reduced agricultural output. In Jonglei state alone, nearly 300 000 residents have been displaced, cutting many communities off from humanitarian aid. Rising food prices, disrupted markets and weakened household purchasing power are further intensifying food shortages.
Access to health and nutrition services has deteriorated as facilities are damaged or closed because of fighting. Shortages of supplies and funding have limited life‑saving treatment, while disease outbreaks—including cholera, malaria and measles—are compounding the crisis, especially among vulnerable children.
The UN warns of a credible risk of famine in four counties of Upper Nile and Jonglei states. IPC projections also show that 11 counties across Upper Nile, Unity and Jonglei could reach Acute Malnutrition Phase 5 (Extremely Critical). Humanitarian assistance is being scaled up in some areas, but coverage remains uneven; several communities remain inaccessible and receive little or no support.
“Since the beginning of the year we have seen a significant increase in conflict in Jonglei and Upper Nile and repeated blockages in our attempts to access people in these areas,” said Ross Smith, WFP Director of Emergencies and Preparedness. “We are now engaged in a critical race against time to expedite and increase our deliveries to remote locations in anticipation of an early rainy season.”
Children are bearing the brunt of the crisis. The number of children aged six months to five years with acute malnutrition has risen by 100 000 in the past six months. By July, an estimated 700 000 children are projected to suffer severe acute malnutrition, the most lethal form of the condition. In addition, 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are acutely malnourished, heightening risks for both mothers and infants.
The UN is urging the international community and national governments to provide immediate funding to prevent further deterioration. Critical resources are needed for food assistance, nutrition programmes, clean water, sanitation and health services to avert a broader humanitarian disaster.
