IRC warns of worsening hunger and malnutrition levels in South Sudan

Hunger and malnutrition are rapidly worsening in South Sudan, driven by conflict, flooding, economic decline, and repeated disruptions to humanitarian aid, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has warned.

"South Sudan is at a breaking point. Women and children are bearing the brunt of this crisis. We are seeing alarming levels of acute malnutrition across the country, driven by conflict, unreliable climatic conditions, rising prices and repeated interruptions to aid," Richard Orengo, IRC South Sudan Country Director said.

He added that intensifying fighting in neighboring Sudan has driven new refugee arrivals into South Sudan, while also threatening oil exports that transit through Sudan, a vital lifeline for the economy. Orengo warned that any prolonged disruption could drive food prices even higher, deepen economic hardship, and push more communities into emergency and catastrophic hunger.

The IRC says it is responding through integrated health and nutrition programs, including cash assistance, treatment for acutely malnourished children, support for stabilization centers, maternal and infant nutrition services, and disease prevention efforts. However, funding cuts threaten to delay the 2026 lean-season response, even as needs are expected to peak.

South Sudan ranks third on the IRC's Emergency Watchlist. 

The organization is urging donors to urgently increase funding for life-saving aid, ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and press South Sudan's leaders to fully implement the 2018 peace agreement in order to stabilize the country.