Processed Foods Blamed for Growing Health Crisis in South Sudan

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(JUBA) – Health experts in South Sudan have warned of a sharp rise in deaths linked to non communicable diseases (NCDs), urging communities to embrace healthier eating habits and lifestyle choices. The South Sudan Red Cross has reported that NCDs now account for nearly one in three deaths across the country.

Data shared by the humanitarian organisation shows that since 2022, approximately 28 percent of all deaths in South Sudan have been attributed to NCDs. These include heart disease (9 percent), cancer (7 percent), diabetes (2 percent), chronic respiratory illnesses (2 percent), and other causes including injury (8 percent).

According to public health officials, the increasing burden of these diseases is largely the result of changing eating patterns and lifestyle behaviours, particularly a shift toward consuming more processed foods. Combined with poor urban development, air pollution, a growing elderly population, and a fragile health system, the country faces a growing public health crisis.

Joyce Guo, head of the Diabetes Centre at Malakia Primary Health Care Centre under the South Sudan Red Cross, expressed alarm over modern eating habits. She noted that many South Sudanese no longer consume traditional farm produce, instead relying on factory-processed foods lacking essential dietary fibre.

“Our grandparents ate fresh organic food from the farm,” she said. “But today’s processed food doesn’t contain the fibre that helps regulate blood sugar. Without fibre, sugar builds up, which is why diabetes is spreading so widely. It is not just a hereditary issue anymore. Now even pregnant women are suffering from high blood pressure. We won’t reverse this unless we change our diet.”

Globally, NCDs are the leading cause of premature death and disability. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 75 percent of such deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where many of the victims are still in their productive years. South Sudan is no exception.

Leila Osman, a health officer based in Juba with the South Sudan Red Cross, said the country is struggling to meet global health targets, particularly the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of reducing premature deaths from major NCDs by 2030.

“Other regions are progressing, but South Sudan remains behind,” she said. “We are seeing a fast rise in risk factors but our health infrastructure is still weak. There are serious gaps in access to medicine and basic services.”

Despite the challenges, health experts believe there is still time to address the problem through stronger government policies and community awareness. Taban Godfrey, Health Manager at the Red Cross headquarters in Juba, said legislative action could help reduce the growing burden of lifestyle diseases.

“We need laws that limit sugar intake. This could be done by raising taxes on sugary drinks or tobacco,” he said. “Advertising bans on cigarettes and restrictions on public smoking could also make a difference.”

Experts are calling on the government, civil society, and international partners to prioritise prevention and improve access to health care services. They argue that with greater awareness and better policies, the trend can be slowed.

The financial burden of treating NCDs is also a concern, with many South Sudanese unable to afford specialised care. For example, a routine diabetes check-up or medications already out of reach for many, especially in rural areas where incomes are low and services are limited.

If urgent action is not taken, health officials warn that lifestyle related illnesses will continue to take lives unnecessarily and further strain South Sudan’s already fragile health system.