South Sudan

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, continues to struggle to overcome a multitude of challenges. Conflict, climate shocks, economic instability and the ongoing war in neighbouring Sudan have created a perfect storm of suffering, leaving families unable to access enough food.

Since April 2023, over 1.1 million people fleeing the conflict in Sudan have crossed into South Sudan, placing additional pressure on overstretched communities and humanitarian systems. The World Food Programme (WFP) has supported more than 620,000 of them with fortified biscuits, food or cash assistance, and nutrition support for mothers and young children.

Today, 7.7 million people – over half the population – are acutely food insecure or worse, with hunger reaching near-record levels. People in Nasir and Ulang counties in South Sudan are at risk of famine in the coming months, as conflict in Upper Nile State escalates – destroying homes, disrupting livelihoods and impeding the delivery of humanitarian aid. 

The situation is particularly dire for children: more than 2.3 million are at risk of malnutrition, up more than a third compared to 2024. A total of 2.8 million children are out of school – more than half of them girls. Female literacy remains alarmingly low at just 29 percent, compared to 40 percent for men – among the lowest rates in the world.

Food assistance remains essential to averting a humanitarian catastrophe. But it must also serve as a bridge to long-term recovery. WFP is working with local civil society and empowering communities – especially women and girls – to build resilience, support peacebuilding and foster self-reliance in the face of relentless adversity.