South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has urgently allocated $10 million to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to over 270,000 people in South Sudan.
In a statement seen by the Dawn Newspaper on Thursday, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho, said that the funding will focus on communities in six high-risk counties: Canal/Pigi, Fangak, Ayod, and Akobo in Jonglei State, as well as Panyikang and Fashoda in Upper Nile State. These regions have been severely impacted by multiple crises, leaving families in desperate need of immediate humanitarian support.
“This timely and much-needed CERF funding will help mitigate acute vulnerabilities and protection risks through coordinated interventions led by United Nations agencies and their partners in South Sudan,” said Anita. “The allocation must also serve as a catalyst to mobilize support for the millions more in need across the country.”
An estimated 7.7 million people, representing 57 percent of the analyzed population, are projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) between April and July 2025. Of particular concern, approximately 63,000 people are expected to experience Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5), the most severe level of food insecurity.
“CERF funding will help ensure they receive food, cash assistance, seeds, tools, fishing kits, shelter, non-food items, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies, as well as health, nutrition, and protection services. They will also need continued support to restore their livelihoods and rebuild their lives,” Anita added.
Currently, the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for South Sudan, which seeks $1.7 billion to assist 5.4 million people, is only 16.6 percent funded. Continued support is urgently needed to sustain life-saving assistance.
Since the escalation of conflict in Upper Nile State in March, more than 130,000 people have been displaced, including thousands who have reportedly crossed into Ethiopia.
The ongoing rainy season is expected to bring heavy flooding to areas already affected in previous years. Meanwhile, South Sudan continues to face its most severe cholera outbreak on record, with 60,530 cases and 1,247 deaths reported nationwide as of May 18.
