The UN World Food Programme suspends aid to South Sudan

Children and women will be most affected in the coming days as hunger cases rise.

According to the United Nations Population Fund, (UNFPA) over 60% of South Sudan’s population is facing severe hunger and are unable to purchase food products due to the high commodity prices.

In some areas, school going children depend on the daily provision of meals by the UN. With the assistance reduction, approximately 178,000 children will not receive these meals.

This will impact the education of thousands as more will be unable to attend classes and continue with their education.

According to a recent report by WFP and FAO, South Sudan is among the countries listed as having an immediate risk of starvation or death due to food insecurity, which puts approximately 750,000 people in each country at high hunger risk.

The drought that has grappled some parts of the country is causing animal deaths and malnutrition for thousands of children. Farmers depending on agriculture to feed in the affected areas are left without produce, making various communities face severe hunger.

Last year, more than one million people were displaced from their homes in different parts of the country and had to depend on camps created by the UN. South Sudan has been experiencing flooding for four years, making the land unusable for agriculture or settlement.

It is estimated that 65% of the total displaced population are children who are struggling to settle in education. Efforts from international organisations and the government seem unable to control the situation.

Nevertheless, we hope the country gets the support it needs to combat the situation at hand.