▶ See ourUN News Explanation on the evidence-based CPI index. here.
Among those expected to face acute food insecurity, 73,300 people face catastrophic levels (Phase 5), the most severe level according to the internationally supported alert system. This represents a spectacular 160 percent increase of the latest estimate.
UN agencies said the crisis is being driven by escalating conflict, mass displacement, economic decline, climate crises, flooding and below-capacity agricultural production.
Meanwhile, 2.5 million people are in PCI Phase 4 – Emergency Level, and 5.3 million are in Crisis (PCI Phase 3).
Lack of services
In In Jonglei alone, almost 300,000 people have been displacedleaving many communities isolated from humanitarian assistance, while rising food prices, market disruption and weak household purchasing power are further deepening food insecurity.
At the same time, acute malnutrition is exacerbated by lack of access to health and nutrition services that have been damaged or closed due to the conflict.
Additionally, supply and funding shortages have reduced access to life-saving treatments. Disease outbreaks, such as cholera, malaria and measles, are exacerbating the crisis, especially among vulnerable and already severely malnourished children.
Famine risk
UN agencies warn of a Credible risk of famine in four counties. in Upper Nile and Jonglei states.
The IPC projects that 11 counties in Upper Nile, Unity and Jonglei states will face the results of the IPC Acute Malnutrition Phase 5 (Extremely Critical).
Humanitarian assistance is being expanded in some areas, but coverage remains uneven: some communities remain inaccessible and receive little or no support.
“Since the beginning of the year, we have seen a significant increase in conflict in Jonglei and Upper Nile and repeated blockades in our attempts to access people in these areas,” said Ross Smith, WFP Director of Emergencies and Preparedness.
“We are now engaged in a critical race against time to accelerate and increase our deliveries to remote locations in anticipation of an early rainy season,” he added.
Children who bear the burden
For children, the nutritional situation has continued to worsen. The number of children between six months and five years old suffering from acute malnutrition has increased by 100,000 cases compared to six months ago.
Until July of this year, 700,000 children expected to face severe acute malnutritionthe deadliest way. Similarly, 1.2 million pregnant and lactating women suffer from acute malnutrition, putting both mothers and babies at greater risk.
“The conflict is hitting women and children hardest. These children are the future of the country, but without urgent support, that future is at risk,” said Mr Smith.
The UN calls on the international community and governments to act immediately, providing critical funds needed to prevent further deterioration and support food assistance, nutrition programs, clean water and sanitation, and health services.