Around 300,000 individuals have migrated to South Sudan since the start of the conflict in mid-April, with the majority of them being individuals returning to their homeland.

Out of the total, 20% of children are suffering from malnutrition and 90% of families are facing a high level of food insecurity.

Reviewing information gathered at the border checkpoint uncovered that over 25% of women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are suffering from malnutrition.

Escaping harm, encountering misfortune

Mary-Ellen McGroarty, the Country Director in South Sudan for WFP, expressed concern over families who are forced to leave Sudan due to danger, but end up facing despair in South Sudan.

The individuals returning are arriving to a nation that is currently experiencing unprecedented demands for humanitarian aid.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), a combination of conflict, violence, food shortages, climate effects, and public health issues has resulted in approximately 9.4 million individuals requiring protection and aid.

Theft while fleeing

According to the World Food Programme, the ongoing rainy season has exacerbated challenges at congested transit centers and border crossings. The increased flooding is not only enhancing food insecurity, but also aiding in the spread of illness.

Numerous families have also stated that they were robbed and subjected to acts of violence while fleeing Sudan with only the clothes they were wearing. The families who are currently arriving are in a more precarious state than those who left during the initial weeks of the conflict.

The organization WFP is offering food aid at the border by distributing warm meals, high-energy biscuits, dry rations, and providing financial assistance. They are also providing specialized nutrition support for children and mothers.

Meeting the increasing demands while facing a decrease in financial resources.

Ms. McGroarty stated that the situation for returnees is not acceptable and that WFP is having difficulty meeting the increasing humanitarian needs at the border. She also mentioned that they do not have enough resources to provide life-saving aid to those who are most in need.

The WFP is in urgent need of at least $120 million to increase aid in the coming months. Additional funding is also necessary to assist individuals in moving away from the congested border region and aid returnees in rebuilding their lives in a place where they may not have previously resided.

In South Sudan, WFP is facing a lack of funds amounting to $536 million for the next six months. Currently, they have only been able to provide assistance to 40% of food insecure individuals. Additionally, these beneficiaries are only receiving half of the expected food rations due to insufficient funding, exacerbating the issue of food insecurity.

The source of this information is from the United Nations news website.