Alleviating hunger in South Sudan

South Sudan is facing an overwhelming convergence of crises. Subnational violence, climate change, mass displacement and a deteriorating economy are pushing millions of families towards severe food and nutrition insecurity. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Food Programme say South Sudan remains one of the world’s biggest hunger hotspots in 2024. The situation is exacerbated by an influx of returnees and refugees fleeing conflict in neighbouring Sudan, expected widespread flooding, ongoing violence and food system disruptions. These compounding factors are pushing the country to the brink of disaster.

A June analysis by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) predicted that between eight and nine million people - up to 70% of South Sudan's population - will need urgent food assistance during the lean season from July to September, when food is at its most scarce. The risk of famine in flood-prone areas is particularly alarming.  

Severe Flooding expected

As we approach the second half of 2024, South Sudan faces the looming threat of catastrophic flooding. Record high water levels in Lake Victoria have forced authorities in Uganda to release water into dams, increasing the overflow of the Nile River as it flows through South Sudan. The anticipated severe flooding is expected to destroy crops and livestock, disrupt trade routes and increase the risk of disease outbreaks. These conditions are likely to accelerate food insecurity, with UNICEF estimating that 480,000 children under five could suffer from severe acute malnutrition in the coming months.

New Hope for Nyabang’s family

Medair has been saving lives for several years in Leer and Pibor, two areas frequently affected by seasonal flooding and already at emergency levels of food insecurity. In "stabilisation centres," our dedicated teams treat children under the age of five who are severely malnourished and suffer from additional medical complications.  

Nyabang and her family used to grow food in their garden in Leer, but since conflict broke out and they were forced to flee their home, the family often faces hunger. There is not much space to cultivate where they are sheltering, and seasonal flooding destroys what little crops they have. Due to global funding cuts, aid agencies have had to reduce and cut back on emergency food distributions to the community. When eight-month-old Nyaruach, already suffering from malnutrition, fell ill, her mother was desperate for help.

"We do not have enough food. There is a severe shortage and the whole community is suffering. We often go all day without eating and go to bed hungry. For me, it was a tiring three-hour walk in the heat to the Stabilisation Centre, but it is still the only facility for me," said the mother of three. "One of Medair's Community Health Workers came to our shelter and checked my baby for malnutrition. He diagnosed Nyaruach as severely acutely malnourished and told me about the free services here. After that, the baby became even more ill, vomiting, having watery diarrhoea and developing a high fever. I was very worried and knew I had to go to the stabilisation centre immediately.

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Our team admitted Nyaruach and treated the baby with medication for the disease and therapeutic milk to address the problem of malnutrition. The little girl recovered quickly and responded well to the treatment. Her mother, Nyabang, is relieved and happy:

"I can see so much progress in such a short time. In just a few days, my baby has gained weight and energy. Nyaruach has started playing again. I am so happy and grateful to see this. All I wanted was for the child to recover. And now, with your support, it has happened. I can see that this facility helps a lot. You are saving the lives of our children and making many families here happy again in difficult times. Please continue your support so that many more children can be saved.”

Her heartfelt words bring a huge smile to Moses' face. He is the clinical officer at the Stabilisation Centre and feels called to serve the vulnerable in Leer.

"It makes me happy to see the fruits of my labour. When the children respond well to our treatment, I really feel that I have done something important and meaningful. Malnutrition is a huge problem here in Leer, and if the babies have other underlying medical complications, their condition can quickly become life-threatening. My focus is to get them better so they can have a fresh start to their young lives.”

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Sustaining hope in the face of crisis

In a country as devastated by conflict, displacement, and natural disasters as South Sudan, hope is a rare and precious commodity. Medair's work at the Stabilisation Centre is more than just medical care - it is a message that even in the darkest of times, there are people who care, who are willing to stand with the vulnerable and fight for their survival. This restoration of hope is as essential to the spirit as food is to the body.

Medair's Stabilisation Centre is not only about saving lives in the immediate term, but also about paving the way for long-term recovery and resilience. By helping young children overcome severe acute malnutrition and other life-threatening conditions, Medair gives them the chance to grow into healthy, productive adults. This can contribute to the restoration of communities and, hopefully, one day to the recovery and development of South Sudan as a whole.

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Your support matters

By supporting Medair's Stabilisation Centre, you are directly contributing to saving lives, restoring health, and giving hope to some of the world's most vulnerable people. Your generosity allows us to continue providing these free, life-saving services in South Sudan, bringing hope and healing to those who need it most. Thank you for your continued support.

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Medair nutrition services in Leer and Pibor are funded by USAID, WHO, SSHF, UNICEF, and generous private donors.

This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.  

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