Attachments
HIGHLIGHTS
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Famine declared in two counties in South Sudan’s Unity State
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UN calls for improved humanitarian access amid ongoing insecurity
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Health actors record more than 5,300 suspected cholera cases
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
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On February 20, the South Sudan Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared Famine—IPC 5—levels of food insecurity in Unity State’s Leer and Mayendit counties. The IPC Technical Working Group also reported an elevated likelihood that Famine is occurring in neighboring Koch County, though insufficient data is available to confirm conditions. In addition, populations in Unity’s Panyijiar County are experiencing Emergency—IPC 4—levels of food insecurity.
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The IPC Technical Working Group estimates that 4.9 million people in South Sudan are severely food insecure and experiencing Crisis—IPC 3—and higher levels of food insecurity; this number could increase to 5.5 million people by the peak of the May–July lean season if conflict continues to cause population displacement, disrupt food markets, and hinder the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations. These populations require food assistance to prevent a loss of lives or livelihoods.