South Sudan Hunger Crisis Affects 7.8 Million Amid Conflict and Displacement

Millions of people across South Sudan are facing emergency levels of hunger due to converging conflict, flooding, displacement, and economic shocks, AllAfrica reported. The World Food Programme is delivering food and nutrition assistance in hard-to-reach areas of the country. 8 million people, is severely hungry, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.

Nyakuma gave birth to triplets while escaping her burning village days prior, AllAfrica reported. The triplets had no clothes or blanket after birth. Nyakuma survived on fruit and leaves after escaping her village and had no milk to breastfeed her newborns.

Nyakuma sought treatment for her children at a nutrition centre in Chuil, eastern South Sudan, AllAfrica reported. More than 70,000 people in South Sudan are projected to face catastrophic hunger, or IPC 5, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, AllAfrica reported. Two areas of South Sudan, including Jonglei State, face extremely critical malnutrition outcomes.

The UN assesses a credible risk of famine in Jonglei State, according to the United Nations. 2 million children under 5 in South Sudan are acutely malnourished, AllAfrica reported. South Sudan became independent 15 years ago.

Ross Smith added: 'These children are the future of the country, but without urgent support, that future is at risk. Some 300,000 people have been uprooted in Jonglei State, South Sudan, according to the United Nations. Deepening violence in Jonglei State has cut off river routes for delivering aid.

Tens of thousands of conflict-displaced people have sought safety in Chuil, Jonglei State, AllAfrica reported. Nyanyik sleeps under the open sky in Chuil after being uprooted. Health workers at Chuil's nutrition centre check children for malnutrition and distribute specialized nutrient-packed food to mothers.

Nyakuma's family has found shelter under a tree in Chuil. Nyakuma hails from a village about 30 km away from Chuil, AllAfrica reported. Nyakuma's village is now caught in escalating violence in South Sudan.