South Sudan hunger crisis deepens: Over 6 million people now facing severe food insecurity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

South Sudan hunger crisis deepens: Over 6 million people now facing severe food insecurity

• New IPC Report warns of rising hunger in South Sudan
• Conflict and violence are key drivers of hunger
• 6 million people, including 2 million children under 5, are at risk
• World Vision calls for urgent action: cessation of conflict, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, and an increase in humanitarian funding
• World Vision commits to addressing the hunger situation and conducts an emergency assessment in the Western Equatoria conflict that displaced 150,000 people

Juba, South Sudan — November 5, 2025 – The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) update for South Sudan reveals a critical situation: over half of the country’s population is projected to experience crisis or worse levels of hunger (IPC Phase 3 and above) between April and July 2026. The report warns of a potential deterioration towards famine in areas affected by ongoing conflict and instability.

“World Vision is deeply concerned, especially for children. No child should go hungry. Yet today, millions are suffering from malnutrition due to conflict and instability that have stripped them of their ability to be properly nourished and live in peace,” said Mesfin Loha, World Vision South Sudan Country Director.

Food insecurity and malnutrition remain alarmingly high, exacerbated by persistent localised violence, widespread displacement, and recurring floods that have devastated livelihoods and agricultural production. The influx of refugees and returning citizens from Sudan further strains fragile markets, overstretched services, and scarce resources. Additionally, a prolonged economic crisis has eroded household coping capacities and purchasing power, leaving millions on the brink of starvation.

The IPC report indicates that between September and November 2025, nearly 6 million people (42% of the population) are facing acute levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above), including 1.3 million in Emergency (Phase 4) conditions and 28,000 in Catastrophe (Phase 5) conditions in parts of Upper Nile (Luakpiny/Nasir) and Jonglei (Fangak). Southern Luakpiny/Nasir remains at risk of famine in a worst-case scenario. While conditions may slightly improve during the harvest season (December 2025–March 2026), the situation is expected to deteriorate sharply during the 2026 lean season, when 7.55 million people (53%) could face severe hunger (IPC Phase 3 or above). Between July 2025 and June 2026, 2.11 million children aged 6–59 months and 1.15 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are expected to suffer acute malnutrition and be in urgent need of nutrition services and treatment.

The findings highlight that violence is the primary driver of hunger in South Sudan. Ongoing hostilities, particularly in Ulang and Nasir in Upper Nile, along with recent clashes in Warrap, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, and Western Equatoria, continue to displace families, destroy livelihoods, and hinder access to farms, markets, and humanitarian aid. Communities that have already been weakened by years of crisis now face another cycle of deprivation and despair. 

“Ending hunger in South Sudan requires more than just food aid; it demands peace, protection, and collaboration. We call for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and increased funding to ensure that people not only survive but thrive. No single organisation can tackle this crisis alone,” added Dr. Mesfin.

Globally, World Vision is spearheading 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.

World Vision has ongoing development and humanitarian projects in most of the affected areas and warns that the unrest is seriously disrupting service delivery and hindering humanitarian access.

World Vision is committed to delivering life-saving food assistance, nutrition services, and livelihood support to the most vulnerable communities across South Sudan. we continue to work alongside the government, partners, and local communities to protect children and help families rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.

Currently, World Vision is conducting rapid emergency assessments in Western Equatoria, where a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation following renewed political tensions and violent clashes between opposing armed groups, displacing over 150,000 civilians.

Media contact:

Diwa Aquino-Gacosta (diwa_aquino-gacosta@wvi.org) 

Senior Manager, Advocacy and Communications

World Vision South Sudan