Naftalin/UNICEF

A child is checked for malnutrition at the UNICEF-supported nutrition clinic at Kimu Primary Healthcare Centre in Juba, South Sudan.

The United Nations has warned that South Sudan faces a worsening food and nutrition crisis that could worsen if humanitarian intervention is not taken immediately.

Over half of the population, or 7.56 million people, will experience crisis or worse levels of hunger during the 2026 lean season, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, including more than two million children. Humanitarian access remains one of the most critical challenges currently.

In many areas across the country, insecurity, looting, poor roads, and flooding have isolated entire communities for months. This situation is preventing life-saving support from reaching those most in need and is exacerbating their vulnerability. Humanitarian agencies warn that the window to act is rapidly closing, and the time to respond is now.