187,000 in South Sudan Risk Losing Life-Saving Services as USD 6 Million Funding Gap Looms

Without drainage and dyke maintenance, Bentiu displacement camp faces high flood risk this rainy season, threatening thousands with further displacement (Photo: IOM/Muse Mohammed)

Geneva/Juba, 19 March 2026 – Life-saving services for nearly 187,000 displaced people in South Sudan could collapse within weeks due to a USD 6 million funding shortfall, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned today.  

“Essential services, including clean water, sanitation and flood protection, in Bentiu and Malakal are at immediate risk of being disrupted, leaving already vulnerable communities without the minimum conditions needed to survive,” said Vijaya Souri, IOM Chief of Mission in South Sudan. “Without these services, taps will run dry, latrines will overflow, and sections of Bentiu camp could flood during the coming rains. The risk to people’s health and safety would be immediate.” 

This threatens rapid disease outbreaks and renewed displacement, with devastating consequences not only for the 187,000 people living in the congested sites, but also for more than 554,000 residents of Malakal, Bentiu and Rubkona towns who would directly feel the downstream impacts of service cessation. 

Bentiu camp for internally displaced persons (IDP), Bentiu IDP Sites and the Malakal Settlement have served for years as places of last resort for families displaced by conflict, flooding and insecurity. Until more sustainable alternatives are available for those living in the sites, humanitarian assistance remains essential for survival, and failure to sustain services would create a public health crisis within weeks. 

The warning comes at a time of acute humanitarian fragility. Prolonged displacement, worsening food insecurity, an ongoing cholera outbreak across the country, and rising insecurity are already placing enormous strain on communities. Rubkona County is projected to reach IPC Acute Malnutrition Phase 5 – Extremely Critical during the April to June lean season, while population movements from neighbouring Sudan continue to increase pressure on services in Unity and Upper Nile states. 

The current dry season is a critical window to maintain flood protection infrastructure ahead of the rains. Without drainage and dyke maintenance, Bentiu IDP Camp faces a high risk of flooding during the upcoming rainy season, potentially contaminating water sources, accelerating disease transmission, and triggering further displacement. 

While longer-term plans are underway to transition away from large camp settings and support durable solutions, maintaining minimum services remains essential to ensure that any transition is safe, orderly and voluntary. 

South Sudan remains one of the world’s most displacement-affected countries, with nearly two million people displaced inside the country and 10 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. To prevent a further deterioration of conditions, IOM is urgently appealing for USD 6 million to sustain critical services through the end of 2026 and safeguard communities during ongoing camp transitions. 

As co-lead of the Global Shelter, Land, and Site Coordination Cluster with IFRC, and in South Sudan with NRC, IOM works with partners to provide displaced people with safe shelter, organized sites, and essential services. By linking emergency support with long-term planning, the cluster helps communities stabilize and rebuild with safety and dignity.

For more information, please visit IOM’s Media Centre.

Source: https://www.iom.int/news/187000-south-sudan-risk-losing-life-saving-services-usd-6-million-funding-gap-looms