Juba: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has reached over two million people with life-saving assistance in South Sudan so far this year. However, a severe funding shortfall threatens ongoing support, placing millions at risk of losing aid.
According to EMM, the situation in South Sudan is dire, with Nasir and Ulang counties in Upper Nile at risk of deteriorating into famine. The country is also grappling with the return of 39,000 people fleeing conflict in Sudan, and a record 2.3 million children are at risk of malnutrition, with the most impacted areas being conflict zones in Upper Nile and flood-affected regions like Bentiu.
Progress has been made in areas where humanitarian access is possible. In Uror county, Jonglei state, pockets of catastrophic hunger (IPC5) were alleviated this year, thanks to consistent WFP assistance. Additionally, ten other counties experienced improved food security due to increased crop production following a lull in conflict and insecurity. However, sustained peace and humanitarian support are vital to maintaining these gains.
WFP has provided support to two million vulnerable individuals this year, including over 300,000 affected by the escalation of conflict in Upper Nile. In July, WFP conducted airdrops to deliver 430 metric tons of food to the most remote parts of the Greater Upper Nile region, reaching 40,000 people. The resumption of vital river convoys on the White Nile River has allowed for the transportation of 1,380 metric tons of life-saving food and non-food items from Bor to Upper Nile state. The WFP-run United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) continues to serve seven destinations in Upper Nile, providing essential cargo and access to remote areas.
The funding outlook for WFP operations in South Sudan is challenging. Severe funding shortfalls mean WFP can reach only 2.5 million people with regular assistance, covering just 30 percent of those facing severe hunger across the country. WFP urgently requires $274 million to continue support for the 2.5 million most acutely food insecure individuals through the end of the year, often providing only 50 percent rations. If additional funds are not received, further reductions in rations and assistance will be necessary in September, potentially undoing recent gains.
Carl Skau, WFP Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the scale of humanitarian needs in South Sudan and the challenges faced by families trapped by flooding and conflict. Despite rising needs and shrinking resources, WFP remains committed to providing assistance wherever possible, although scaling back is becoming necessary even in areas on the brink of famine.