Responding to South Sudan's Hunger Crisis - April 2018

A total of 461,840 people in South Sudan were reached through World Vision's response to the refugee crisis in April 2018. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:

• 233,595 children reached through various response activities
• 158,930 people received food assistance 
• 75,092 people were able to access health services
• 85,363 people were reached with clean water and sanitation 
• 79,097 children were supported to go to school
• 5,375 children and adults received support to be safe in their communities

Still, there is more work to do. 

KEY CONCERNS: 

Too many children are not in school: All states in South Sudan are grappling with quality education service delivery. With adult illiteracy at 27 per cent, a UN report said it is the highest in the world. Support on education that promotes access and retention reinforces will improve the quality of primary education. Creating interest in education and improving performance at all level is a factor of so many ingredients including creating a safe and protective learning environment.

Half the country is food insecure: Currently, more than 7 million South Sudanese face an alarming food insecurity situation. Along with this, over a million children are suffering from malnutrition. The World Food Programme (WFP) recently expressed concern that famine could reoccur. The WFP officials have however reiterated their readiness to respond, working with partners such as World Vision. The efficiency of the response work also largely depends on the political and security situation in the country.

Conflict continues to rob millions of their potential: The protection crisis is the primary force behind rising hunger and malnutrition. Trends continue to show that food insecurity rises wherever significant and/or prolonged violent conflict occurs. This has contributed to the deepening, spreading and acceleration of the crisis, and the number of children impacted by it. Addressing the current crisis will require more innovative thinking and approaches by all. This is particularly true for those engaging in peace making for South Sudan.

Large-scale,long-term lifesaving assistance is needed to ensure people in need are assisted. World Vision is appealing for an additional $18 million to expand its humanitarian response and reach more people in South Sudan.

For more information about World Vision's response achievements, locations and other details, please download (pdf) our April 2018 Situation Report.