Food insecurity still threatens South Sudan

SOUTH SUDAN’s food security has not changed.  Located in East-Central Africa, the country still suffers from malnutrition and prolonged displacement, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).  To help address food insecurity, the ICRC said it has to raise US$ 19 million.

“Despite other crises currently unfolding around the world, it’s important not to forget increasingly silent tragedies like the one taking place in South Sudan,” said Eric Marclay, the ICRC’s head of operations for East Africa.

ICRC said that hundreds of thousands of people still live in camps, many of which are in far places without services. “Displacement has disrupted people’s very ability to survive,” said Mr Marclay. “People have been unable to plant their crops. They have lost their cattle. They lack fishing equipment, seed and tools.”

Malnutrition is a major issue especially among children.  The rainy season makes it even harder for people to access food, and Mr Marclay said, food has to be flown in.

If the funding does come, the ICRC’s annual budget for South Sudan will reach $139 million, most of it will be used for food to feed 150,000 people until the end of the year.