In a quick response to the famine crisis in South Sudan, Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS) has activated its Disaster Management Information Center (DMIC) to closely monitor the situation. Preparations are underway to send a relief mission to the country for damage and needs assessment.
According to reports by United Nations humanitarian agencies like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and World Food Programme (WFP), a state of famine was declared in northern parts of the country, with 100,000 victims of famine in the Unity State and more 1 million at risk.
Around 4.9 million people, or 40 percent of the population, are in dire need of emergency food and agricultural aid. Unless large-scale food supplies are provided, this figure is expected to increase to 5.5 million as food insecurity persists, with the drought reaching its peak in July.
More than 1 million children suffer malnutrition, one fourth of whom are severely malnourished. This is the worst hunger crisis to hit South Sudan since the eruption of war three years ago. Climate change added to the plight and displaced thousands.
Forming a level-A public health emergency, malnutrition is exacerbated by the widespread fighting, displacement, and lack of health services. The war-torn country has a failing economy, high inflation rates, and insecurity. The war's toll also includes 1.9 internally displaced people (IDPs) and 1.3 million refugees.
Since its inception in South Sudan in 2013, QRCS has conducted many water, sanitation, and health care projects, with funding from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).
QRCS is one of the active relief providers to refugee camps of Juba, in addition to drilling water wells and building sanitation facilities.