Nyagoah Gatluak (left) from Mabil village, carries boxes of corn soya blend back to her home with her relatives after a food distribution in Ngop, Unity state, South Sudan in March 2017. Photo: Albert Gonzalez Farran/NRC
“South Sudan’s food crisis levels are shocking,” said Rehana Zawar, Norwegian Refugee Council’s Country Director in South Sudan. “Alarm bells are ringing as the threat of famine is now more widespread than this time last year. Tens of thousands of families are at risk of starvation.”
An estimated 6.3 million people – or half the population – currently face ‘crisis’, or worse, food security levels. That number will likely increase by another 1 million in the next 3 months, according to the latest projections. This is a significantly higher percentage of the population than was in need of humanitarian aid at same time last year.
Current levels of aid are expected to reach less than 50 per cent of people in need across the country. In addition, restricted access to aid and other food sources will be extremely low, as food stocks run out in many parts of the country while the lean season of May to July approaches.
The main reasons for the worsening situation is the compounded impact of 4 years of fighting, the destruction of food production, cattle being stolen or left behind, farmers afraid to access their lands, and high inflation due to economic crisis. These resulted in two million people that fled their homes within the country, and another two million who fled as refugees.
Since this time last year, violence has spread to more parts of the country. Areas worst affected by the food crisis are also those affected by the armed conflict, including central and southern Unity, northwestern Jonglei, and Wau in Western Bahr el Ghazal, according to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSNET).
Other areas are seeing massive arrivals of displaced communities, increasing pressure on already limited resources. Despite the challenges, humanitarian agencies continue to save lives by distributing food and other necessities to over 2.5 million people in need across South Sudan each month.
“Our Rapid Response Teams are working overtime to deliver lifesaving aid to devastated areas, but needs are still overwhelming,” said Zawar. “We urgently need increased international support and resources for humanitarian aid, as well as free access to bring food and other emergency assistance to hard hit communities. The only way to prevent a widespread famine is to act now, before it’s too late.’’
Newer articles:
- In South Sudan, 'the body of Christ is bleeding,' bishop says - 23/03/2018 15:40
- Pope Francis discusses peace with South Sudan delegation - 23/03/2018 09:31
- South Sudan's economy is among the victims of the conflict - 23/03/2018 05:54
- The Ministry of Petroleum of the Republic of South Sudan: Petronas Extends South Sudan Commitment, Pledges to Put Oil Production Back On Stream - 22/03/2018 08:07
- South Sudan says U.S. oil sanctions will undermine search for peace - 22/03/2018 05:47
Older news items
- US targets South Sudan oil sector, ministries over civil war - 21/03/2018 17:12
- South Sudan Government to Take Part in the 3rd Peace Process Featured - 21/03/2018 17:00
- US Targets 15 South Sudan Oil Entities in New Restrictions - 21/03/2018 12:37
- South Sudan Eliminates Guinea Worm - 21/03/2018 12:20
- South Sudan Muslims demand representation in government - 21/03/2018 06:40
Latest news items (all categories):
- [Audio] South Sudan holdout groups form alliance - 10/01/2025 14:12
- South Sudan restores crude oil production and export via Sudan as force majeure is lifted - 10/01/2025 14:00
- South Sudan: promoting empowerment through education - 10/01/2025 13:52
- Juba moves to claim disputed oil-rich Abyei - 10/01/2025 13:46
- South Sudan: Humanitarian Snapshot (December 2024) - 10/01/2025 13:42
Random articles (all categories):
- Israel is in the Forefront of War in South Sudan - 01/09/2019 09:07
- Sudan's SPLM condemns attacks against its Secretary General - 30/06/2008 10:15
- Almost 7 million need aid in Sudan, says UN - 16/07/2014 11:49
- South Sudan: Dashed hopes after ten years of independence - 08/07/2021 03:29
- South Sudan in no position to hold free, fair election in 2024 - UN Official - 15/12/2023 08:05
Popular articles:
- Who is the darkest person in the world, according to Guinness World Record? - 25/10/2022 02:34 - Read 61170 times
- No oil in troubled waters - 25/03/2014 15:02 - Read 22296 times
- School exam results in South Sudan show decline - 01/04/2012 17:58 - Read 21479 times
- NDSU student from South Sudan receives scholarship - In-Forum - 29/09/2012 01:44 - Read 19031 times
- Top 10 weakest currency exchange rates in Africa in 2023 - 19/07/2023 00:24 - Read 18706 times