South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is caught in a relentless cycle of hunger, floods, economic hyperinflation--total livelihood fragility. Despite its vast potential, the country remains one of the most vulnerable globally, with millions struggling to survive amid conflict, climate shocks, and systemic underdevelopment.

Health Action in South Sudan (HASS) is on the front lines, working to address these challenges through sustainable solutions in nutrition, agriculture, and disaster response. But we cannot do it alone.

The scale of the crisis demands urgent support from international partners, governments, and individuals to create lasting change.

Nation on the Brink

Hunger and Malnutrition

South Sudan is facing a devastating hunger crisis. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), over 7.7 million people—63% of the population—were projected to face acute food insecurity between April and July 2024.

Malnutrition rates are staggering, with over 1.4 million children under five suffering from acute malnutrition. This crisis is fueled by conflict, economic instability, and climate shocks, leaving families desperate for survival.

Farming in Crisis

Agriculture, the lifeline for 95% of South Sudan’s population, is in dire need for revitalization.

Despite its potential, the sector contributes less than 15% to the GDP due to poor infrastructure, limited access to modern farming techniques, and recurrent flooding.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that only 4% of arable land is cultivated, leaving millions food insecure and economically vulnerable.

Relentless Floods

Climate change has unleashed catastrophic flooding across South Sudan. Since 2019, over 1 million people have been affected annually, with 70% of the country’s landmass submerged in 2022 alone, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

These floods destroy homes, wipe out crops, and displace hundreds of thousands, pushing communities deeper into poverty in Warrap State, Northern Bar el Ghazal State, Jonglei State among others.

Widows and Orphans: A Forgotten Crisis

Amid these challenges, widows and orphans are among the most vulnerable. Decades of conflict have left South Sudan with an estimated hundred of thousands orphans, many of whom lack access to basic necessities like food, shelter, and education.

Widows, often the sole providers for their families, face immense hardships due to limited economic opportunities and social exclusion.

According to UNICEF the percentage of children who have lost at least one parent in South Sudan is 17% whereas those who have lost both parents is 3.6% (2010). Presumably, these numbers have increased since then due to various factors including rampant conflicts.

Many orphans are at risk of exploitation, child labor, and trafficking. Establishing orphanages across the country, supported by international partners, is critical to providing these children with safety, education, and a chance at a better future.

HASS’s Response: Building Hope Amid Despair

Health Action in South Sudan (HASS) is committed to tackling these challenges head-on. Our programs focus on immediate relief and long-term resilience, empowering communities to break free from the cycle of poverty and vulnerability.

Combating Malnutrition

HASS is scaling up nutrition programs to save lives, especially among children and pregnant or lactating women. We are planning to establishing community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) centers, providing therapeutic foods, and promoting breastfeeding and dietary diversity. Nutrition education campaigns are also empowering families to make informed choices about their health.

Revitalizing Agriculture

To address food insecurity, HASS is introducing climate-smart farming techniques, distributing drought-resistant seeds, and training farmers in sustainable practices.

We shall support farmer cooperatives to improve market access and boost incomes. By revitalizing agriculture, we aim to create a foundation for food security and economic growth.

Flood Mitigation and Relief

HASS envisions to protect communities from the devastating impact of floods. HASS will construct dykes and drainage systems, providing emergency relief like food and clean water, and promoting community-based early warning systems. These efforts shall helping communities prepare for and recover from disasters.

Supporting Widows and Orphans

HASS is advocating for the establishment of orphanages and support systems for widows across South Sudan. We are partnering with local communities to provide psychosocial support, vocational training, and economic opportunities for widows, while also working to ensure orphaned children have access to education, healthcare, and safe housing.

International support is crucial to scaling up these initiatives and giving vulnerable children and women a chance to rebuild their lives.

We Need Your Support

The challenges facing South Sudan are immense, and HASS cannot overcome them alone. We urgently call on international partners, governments, and individuals to join us in this critical mission. Your support will enable us to expand our programs, reach more communities, and implement sustainable solutions that transform lives.

By supporting HASS, you are not just providing aid—you are investing in a brighter future for South Sudan. Together, we can fight hunger, rebuild livelihoods, and create a nation where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

References

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2023). South Sudan Agriculture Sector Overview. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org

Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). (2024). South Sudan Acute Food Insecurity Analysis. Retrieved from https://www.ipcinfo.org

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). (2022). South Sudan Floods Situation Report. Retrieved from https://www.unocha.org

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). (2023). South Sudan Orphan Crisis Report. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Children in Sudan summary sheet. Retrieved from https://unicef.org.hk/wp-content/upload/NewsMedia/International_News/Children_in_Sudan_summary_sheet_final.pdf