Hunger and Cholera Crises Escalate in South Sudan, as Needs Surge
- November 1, 2024
Juba, South Sudan – The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is rapidly escalating, with widespread hunger and a deadly cholera outbreak threatening the lives of millions.
According to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), an estimated 11 million people in South Sudan are facing acute hunger, including 3.5 million who are on the brink of famine. The situation has been exacerbated by a combination of conflict, economic collapse, and climate change.
“We are seeing an alarming increase in the number of people facing severe hunger in South Sudan,” said WFP Executive Director David Beasley. “We urgently need to scale up our operations to reach those in need and prevent a massive humanitarian catastrophe.”
The hunger crisis is closely linked to the ongoing civil war in South Sudan, which has displaced millions of people and disrupted essential services. The conflict has also led to the collapse of the country’s economy, making it difficult for people to afford food and other basic necessities.
In addition to hunger, South Sudan is also grappling with a severe cholera outbreak. Since the beginning of the outbreak in August 2024, over 10,000 cases have been reported, including more than 200 deaths. The outbreak is being driven by a lack of access to clean water and sanitation, which is compounded by the ongoing conflict and displacement.
“The situation in South Sudan is extremely dire,” said Etienne Soucat, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) representative in South Sudan. “We are doing everything we can to contain the cholera outbreak and provide life-saving aid to those affected, but the needs are overwhelming.”
International aid agencies are struggling to respond to the escalating crisis, as funding and access to affected areas remain limited. The ongoing conflict has made it difficult for aid workers to reach those in need, and insecurity continues to pose a threat to humanitarian operations.
“We need an immediate ceasefire and an end to the fighting,” said Beasley. “Without peace, there can be no lasting solution to the crisis in South Sudan.”
The international community has been urged to step up its support for South Sudan, including providing funding for humanitarian aid and advocating for an end to the conflict. The United Nations Security Council is expected to meet later this week to discuss the situation in South Sudan and to consider possible action.
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Hunger and cholera crises escalate in South Sudan, as needs surge
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