Humanitarian agencies in South Sudan have been forced to reduce aid amidst a funding crisis and aggravated humanitarian situation, the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) says.
A total of 7.76 million people face catastrophic levels of need, but resourcing shortfalls mean emergency food assistance will now be prioritised for 3.2 million people who face the highest levels of food insecurity.
This means only those on the brink of starvation will be helped – and even their rations are being cut.
“The simple fact is that there are not enough resources available to the humanitarian community to meet the needs in South Sudan,” said Makena Walker, acting country director for the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP).
“Extreme levels of food insecurity and malnutrition affect two-thirds of the country’s population, making it one of the worst food insecurity emergencies in the world.”
The UN had requested $1.7bn (£1.3bn) but only 46% of the funding has been received.
More than $300m is also urgently needed to provide support to people fleeing over the border from the civil war in Sudan.