WFP Faces Severe Funding Shortfall in South Sudan Amidst Record Hunger Levels

Strategic Insights -

The World Food Programme (WFP) has been struggling to provide life-saving assistance in South Sudan, where 7.7 million people face severe hunger. Despite reaching over two million people with aid so far this year, a severe funding shortfall threatens ongoing support, placing millions at risk of losing aid. WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau warns that further reductions in rations and assistance will be necessary if additional funds are not urgently received.

Key Takeaways:

  • Half of South Sudan's population (7.7 million people) are facing severe hunger, with 83,000 people facing catastrophic levels of hunger (IPC5).
  • 2.3 million children are at-risk of malnutrition, particularly in conflict areas and flood-affected regions.
  • WFP has achieved progress in areas where humanitarian access has improved, such as Uror county, Jonglei state, where catastrophic hunger (IPC5) was alleviated.
  • Sustained peace and humanitarian support are vital to cement these gains, as exemplified by the increased crop production in 10 counties where conflict and insecurity subsided.
  • Over 300,000 people, including those impacted by the escalation of conflict in Upper Nile, have been supported by WFP this year.
  • WFP conducted airdrops to access remote parts of the Greater Upper Nile region, delivering 430 metric tons of food to 40,000 people.
  • River convoys have resumed, transporting life-saving food assistance and non-food items to Upper Nile state.
  • The WFP-led Logistics Cluster airlifted 109 metric tons of cholera-related supplies to locations in Upper Nile and Unity states.
  • WFP urgently requires US$274 million to maintain support for 2.5 million of the most acutely food insecure through the end of the year, providing only 50% rations to these communities in most cases.

Statistics:

  • 7.7 million people in South Sudan face severe hunger.
  • 83,000 people are facing catastrophic levels of hunger (IPC5).
  • 2.3 million children are at-risk of malnutrition.
  • WFP has supported over 2 million people in South Sudan this year.
  • 430 metric tons of food were delivered through airdrops in the Greater Upper Nile region.
  • 1,380 mt of life-saving food assistance and non-food items were transported on a river convoy from Bor destined for Upper Nile state.
  • 109 metric tons of cholera-related supplies were airlifted to locations in Upper Nile and Unity states.

Sources:

  • WFP Update: Food Security and Humanitarian Operations in South Sudan.
  • Quote from WFP Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Carl Skau.
  • World Food Programme (WFP) report on South Sudan.