South Sudan is facing a humanitarian crisis as worsening floods across the country compound with increased violence by different armed groups. Mass displacement and the destruction of property and livelihoods has increased the risk for disease, food shortages and insecurity particularly for women and children.
Climate change
In recent years, the consequences of climate change have become explicit in South Sudan, where flooding is significantly worse. This year marks the fourth consecutive year of extensive flooding, with new regions including Eastern Equatoria and Western Equatoria impacted. The consequences of flooding on the lives and livelihoods of those affected is compounded with sustained inter-communal violence causing widespread displacement, fatalities and destruction of property and livelihoods. An estimated 8 million people are in urgent need of food assistance, with more than one-third of counties in the country facing emergency levels of acute food insecurity.
Food insecurity and disease
Reports indicate that the heavy rains destroyed both fields and crops, creating significant levels of food insecurity and malnutrition, especially among children. Besides malnutrition, the risk of diarrhoea, cholera and malaria – already the biggest killer in South Sudan, are significant. This situation is made worse by the widely damaged infrastructure, from individuals’ homes to hospitals, preventing people from receiving urgent medical attention.
Inter-communal conflicts
This humanitarian crisis has exacerbated the already deep existing insecurity in the country at a time when South Sudan is dealing with significant cuts to humanitarian funding and increased violence. Inter-communal conflicts in Baidit, Bor County and Jonglei have resulted in loss of life, including women and children, and the mass displacement of thousands of people. Reports show that several people fleeing violence have been forced to cross the Nile River despite flooding and have unfortunately drowned.
The violence is amidst increased tensions in Jonglei and the greater Equatoria region between cattle keepers and farmers, through continuous attacks and cattle raids. Displacement is combined with loss of household assets and livelihoods, and limited access to services, including health, education and protection, exposing people to multiple threats. Women and children in particular face protection risks, including conflict- and gender-based sexual violence, armed violence and abductions. A joint human rights report published in September 2022 by UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) documented 131 cases of sexual violence, with cases of gangs-rapes.
How are we helping?
As the largest implementer of healthcare programmes in South Sudan, HealthNet TPO continues to provide life-saving health and mental health care through community and state- health facilities across the country. Insecurity and flooding has affected some of our health facilities particularly in the states of Warrap (Gogrial East and Gogrial West counties) and Northern Bahr El Ghazal (Aweil West, Aweil North counties and Central Equatoria state in Magala). Our team is working hard to continue to support those affected to prevent a health emergency.
HealthNet TPO also implements protection interventions to support the safety of vulnerable people in South Sudan, through psychosocial assistance to survivors of gender-based violence and people with mental health concerns. We also provide psychological first aid to IDPs, and conflict-affected communities.
Find out more about our work in South Sudan
How can you help?
By supporting our work in South Sudan, you could contribute to improving the health and mental health of people living through humanitarian crisis. Your gift could buy life-saving treatment for malaria, diarrhoea and other common childhood diseases, could support a community health centre, and provide training for community-based psychosocial counsellors.
