ENOUGH: World Vision steps up nutrition efforts as 2.3 million children face acute malnutrition in South Sudan; welcomes new National Nutrition Policy
JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN — June 16, 2025. A dire humanitarian crisis is unfolding in South Sudan as revealed by the recent analysis of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). According to the report, released last June 12, an estimated 2.3 million children under the age of five are suffering from acute malnutrition, including 714,000 facing severe cases, and 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women requiring immediate treatment and care.
The report further indicated that the ‘impact of conflict and civil insecurity is deepening food insecurity’ in the country. To date, 7.7 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity, with several areas at risk of famine-level conditions due to conflict.
“No child should go hungry. But today, millions are experiencing hunger simply because they don’t have enough to eat,” emphasised Mesfin Loha, World Vision South Sudan country director, “Ending child hunger and malnutrition requires a collective effort from the family, community, state and national commitment, as well as a global response. No single entity can do it alone.”
In line with this, World Vision warmly welcomes the recent passage of the National Nutrition Policy by the Government of South Sudan. The policy establishes a unified framework to coordinate national efforts to combat malnutrition, stunting, and wasting over the next decade, which is critical in achieving more effective and sustainable solutions to the country’s nutrition situation.
“This policy will solidify our efforts and direction in strengthening our collaboration with government agencies, partners, including humanitarian actors, and communities,” said Mesfin, “The policy also aligns with our priorities and ENOUGH Campaign goals as we intensify our efforts in improving the nutritional status of children and mothers.”
Globally, World Vision is currently rolling out the ENOUGH campaign, a call to end child hunger and malnutrition, aiming to ensure that every child has enough nourishing food to survive and thrive. This latest IPC data underscores the campaign’s urgency and the need for coordinated action in South Sudan.
By integrating this policy into its programming, World Vision is scaling up efforts to tackle child hunger through long-term, community-based solutions, while reinforcing commitments and focusing resources and partnerships where they are most needed.
World Vision is stepping up its work in South Sudan with a community-based approach to fight hunger, malnutrition and improve health. This includes support in areas like nutrition, clean water and sanitation (WASH), healthcare, education, food and income security, child protection, and peacebuilding.
The goal is to address the root causes of malnutrition, especially for children and mothers in refugee and displaced and vulnerable communities. World Vision partners with local health ministries, donors, and other organizations to improve care and reduce deaths.
Media Contact:
Diwa Aquino-Gacosta, Senior Manager of Advocacy and Communications (diwa_aquino-gacosta@wvi.org)
About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
For more information, please visit www.wvi.org/south-sudan