South Sudan on the brink of a catastrophic hunger crisis
1 May 2026Alarming report shows 4 areas of the country are at critical risk of famine.
A new report issued this week (28 April 2026) by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a UN and government backed initiative that monitors the severity of food crises worldwide, has found that 73,000 people in South Sudan are experiencing famine conditions.
In total 7.8 million people could soon be at risk of famine, and 2.2 million children are malnourished.
Thousands of children at risk of starvation
These findings represent an alarming deterioration in the food supply in the country, with South Sudan rapidly becoming one of the world’s most severe hunger crises.
Reshma Azmi, Country Director Plan International South Sudan said:
“The IPC report is deeply alarming. It has identified 4 areas in South Sudan at critical risk of famine between April and July which would impact 7.8 million people. This is has become one of the world’s worst hunger crises, and thousands of children and families are now at risk of starvation without immediate intervention.
“A deadly mix of brutal conflict, mass displacement and economic collapse is driving children into extreme hunger. An estimated 2.2 million children are now malnourished; while soaring food prices are pushing basic meals out of reach for many families.
“They have identified 73,000 people experiencing catastrophic conditions (IPC Phase 5). The impact is most severe for girls and young women. In hunger crises, girls are often the last to eat and the first to miss out, while rising poverty also increases the risk of early marriage as families struggle to cope.
“The number of pregnant and breastfeeding women needing nutrition treatment has climbed from 1.1 million to 1.2 million.
“We have a rapidly closing window to act now and to save lives.”
Categories: Emergencies
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