Country: South Sudan Source: European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification just released a new report on South Sudan, indicating that food security and malnutrition have worsened beyond initial prognosis. 7.8 million people experience high acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) - a 280 000-person increase since September 2025. 73 000 people are in Phase 5 (Catastrophe), risking starvation and death, particularly in Jonglei and Upper Nile states. A risk of famine looms in four counties Luakpiny/Nasir, Ulang, Nyirol, Akobo due to conflict, displacement, and reduced humanitarian access. Acute malnutrition is critical, with 2.2 million children (6–59 months) and 1.2 million pregnant/breastfeeding women requiring treatment—90 000 more child cases than previously reported (November 2025). Ten counties (Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity states; Abyei and Ruweng Adminstrative Areas) are in IPC Acute Malnutrition Phase 5 (Extremely Critical). Key drivers of worsening trends include escalating conflict and displacement; restricted humanitarian access; health system failures; economic collapse; deteriorating WASH services; and climatic shocks. Immediate, large-scale multi-sectorial humanitarian intervention is critical to stop mass starvation, halt worsening malnutrition, and save lives.