The Government of Germany has contributed an additional EUR 28.5 million to the United Nations World Food Programme’s (WFP) operations to assist tens of thousands of people affected by the worsening food insecurity and nutrition crisis across South Sudan.
A press release extended to this publication by WFP on Friday said the contribution is particularly timely, as an estimated 7.56 million people – more than half the country’s population – are projected to face acute levels of food insecurity at the height of the lean season between April and July 2026
Food insecurity in South Sudan is primarily driven by conflict, displacement, climatic shocks, low agricultural productivity, and economic challenges. However, in regions where peace has been sustained and access maintained, improvements in food security have been observed, WFP said.
“We appreciate Germany’s continued generosity in supporting the people of South Sudan,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Country Director in South Sudan. “While lasting peace and national government investments are the foundations for ending hunger, this funding will significantly enhance ongoing efforts to assist those in need at a very critical time of the year.”
Malnutrition is worsening in South Sudan, currently affecting 2.1 million children as well as over one million pregnant and breastfeeding women, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report. WFP said it will allocate a portion of the funding to provide specialized nutritious food and nutrition education to these vulnerable groups.
WFP said it will scale up initiatives that help address the underlying causes of food insecurity. These include cash start-up funds, training for income-generation activities, and assistance in establishing village savings and loans associations.
“Germany’s utmost priority is to support the most vulnerable populations, especially women and children,” said Gregory Bledjian, Ambassador of Germany to South Sudan. “In times of heightened insecurity and growing humanitarian needs, we stay committed to supporting the people of South Sudan and call for unhindered humanitarian access.”
“We thank the United Nations World Food Programme for providing lifesaving assistance and empowering local communities across South Sudan and would like to support its important work through this additional funding,” he added.
Germany is a long-standing partner of WFP providing support to address both humanitarian and long-term needs, targeting the root causes of hunger. The latest contribution brings Germany’s total funding to WFP’s activities in South Sudan to more than US$200 million since 2021.