(JUBA) – South Sudan faces one of its most severe humanitarian crises in recent history, with multiple emergencies converging to strain the country’s fragile social, economic, and health systems. According to a mid-year UNICEF report, 2025 is set to see unprecedented levels of malnutrition and food insecurity, compounded by conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks, and economic instability.
The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis projects that between April and July, 2.3 million children under five and 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women will need urgent treatment for acute malnutrition. At the same time, 7.7 million people, or 57 per cent of the population, are expected to face severe food insecurity during the lean season, particularly in Upper Nile. Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is projected to affect 714,439 children, while a further 1.6 million will experience moderate acute malnutrition.
Violence continues to displace thousands. Since February, clashes between government forces and armed groups in Upper Nile and Jonglei, along with inter-communal conflicts in Warrap and Unity states, have displaced more than 300,000 people internally, with over 125,000 fleeing to neighbouring countries including Ethiopia, Uganda, the DRC, and Sudan. Tonj South County in Warrap alone saw more than 48,000 people displaced. Children, women, and persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected, facing risks of family separation, disrupted education and healthcare, and limited shelter.
The political environment remains unstable following a government reshuffle earlier this year. The arrest of Vice President Riek Machar and removal of two other vice presidents has heightened uncertainty around the transitional government and the implementation of the peace agreement (R-ARCSS). This political volatility compounds risks of renewed conflict and weakens governance structures critical for humanitarian response.
South Sudan’s economic situation remains fragile despite partial resumption of oil exports, which underpin over 50 per cent of GDP, 80 per cent of exports, and 90 per cent of government revenue. Poverty has risen sharply, with 92 per cent of the population living below the poverty line. Volatile exchange rates, rising food and fuel prices, and disruptions to trade have further weakened household purchasing power.
Public health challenges are acute. Cholera continues its worst outbreak on record, with 79,746 suspected cases and 1,431 deaths reported across 55 counties. Children aged 0–14 account for nearly 47 per cent of cases. Schools have been forced to close, affecting 37,797 learners, while other infectious diseases including malaria, measles, hepatitis E, and 15 confirmed cases of monkeypox further strain the health system. Flooding, now in its fifth consecutive year, worsens these conditions and limits access to humanitarian assistance.
The Humanitarian Action for Children appeal is only 22 per cent funded, leaving gaps in food, shelter, water, sanitation, and healthcare. Humanitarian access is hindered by insecurity, attacks on aid workers, bureaucratic obstacles, and seasonal rains that make roads impassable. The South Sudan Humanitarian Country Team has reprioritized assistance to reach 2.9 million of the 9.3 million in need, with funding requirements revised to $1.03 billion (4.74 billion SSP) from the previous $1.7 billion (7.82 billion SSP).
With millions facing hunger, displacement, and disease, urgent and sustained support is critical. Forecasts of severe flooding in the second half of 2025 could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, intensifying malnutrition, displacement, and waterborne disease outbreaks across South Sudan.
