El Niño Deepens Hunger Crisis in South Sudan

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

The World Food Programme has reported that nearly 7.8 million people in South Sudan are facing severe hunger due to ongoing conflict, climate shocks, and reduced humanitarian aid. Without increased funding and support, the worsening food crisis threatens millions, including vulnerable children and pregnant women, with severe malnutrition and starvation.

The hunger crisis in South Sudan is deteriorating, the World Food Programme (WFP) has warned, as conflict, extreme weather, and diminishing humanitarian aid converge to deepen food insecurity for millions. Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva, Matthew Hollingworth, Assistant Executive Director for Programme Operations at WFP, highlighted the growing urgency of the situation.

Hollingworth, who recently visited South Sudan, emphasized that ongoing violence, displacement, economic challenges, and climate-related shocks are driving a significant portion of the population into heightened vulnerability. The conflict in neighboring Sudan further complicates the humanitarian landscape, exacerbating food shortages and limiting access to essential resources.

According to the WFP, approximately 7.8 million people—over half of South Sudan’s population—are facing daily hunger. Among those affected, 2.2 million children and 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are in need of immediate nutritional assistance. The agency described the situation as perilous, warning that without increased support, conditions will continue to worsen.

Hollingworth also noted that humanitarian resources are rapidly depleting, placing additional strain on efforts to address the crisis. Despite ongoing appeals for aid, funding shortfalls hinder the delivery of life-saving food and nutrition programs across the country.

South Sudan, which has endured years of civil conflict, continues to grapple with insecurity that disrupts farming and food distribution. The impact of the El Niño weather pattern has led to more frequent droughts and floods, further reducing agricultural output and accessibility.

In summary, the WFP’s latest assessment underscores the complex challenges facing South Sudan as multiple factors drive rising food insecurity. The combination of conflict, environmental extremes, economic hardship, and inadequate humanitarian resources creates a vulnerable population in urgent need of support to avert a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.