On 26 June 2013, the Republic of South Sudan joined the SUN Movement with a letter of commitment from HE Riek Machar, the Vice President. At the time, South Sudan had high levels of cohesion within the government as well as among donors and implementing partners on the importance of tacking undernutrition. A National Nutrition Policy was in place which aimed to deliver actions across all related secotrs and achive improved nutrition outcomes for the country as a whole.
South Sudan
Progress
Nutrition situation
31.3%
Under Five Stunting
24.3%
Under Five Wasting
5.8%
Under Five Overweight
44.5%
0-5 Months Exclusive Breastfeeding
34%
Woman Anaemia 15-49 years
0%
Adolescent Overweight Male
0%
Adolescent Overweight Female
0%
Adult Overweight Male
0%
Adult Overweight Female
0%
Adult Obesity Male
0%
Adult Obesity Female
0%
Adult Diabetes Male
0%
Adult Diabetes Female
Strategic objectives
- Bringing people together
- Coherent policy and legal framework
- Aligning programs around a Common Results Framework
- Financial tracking and resource mobilization
South Sudan is still in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, driven by three years of a civil war. In 2017, over 5.5 million people are facing extreme hunger. The Government of South Sudan is committed to scaling up nutrition, with the multi-stakeholder platform (MSP), established in 2015, being revitalised in June 2016. The SUN Civil Society Platform was set up in 2017. The Donor Network is yet to be established. Expansion of the MSP is planned to also include nutrition-relevant line ministries and sectors, as, currently, SUN activities only fall under the Ministry of Health. Plans are underway to further involve the heads of United Nations and civil society organisations in the SUN Movement activities in South Sudan, in support of the South Sudan SUN Movement a shortterm workplan.
Last updated: November 2017
2016
Last updated: December 2016
2015
There is progress towards the establishment of a Civil Society Alliance and Business Network. South Sudan is keen to learn from the experience from other SUN Countries and plans are underway for a face-to-face learning exchange visit.
South Sudan is also planning a high level event that will promote the importance of nutrition and enable the political and collective support needed for scaling up actions.
Last updated: October 2015
Nutrition-relevant legislation has not as yet been put in place in South Sudan, although the Nutrition Department at the Ministry of Health and members of the Nutrition Cluster – comprising the Government, UN and civil society – have been working closely to develop regulations and guidelines. The development of the Food and Nutrition Policy is underway, as reviews are ongoing. Guidelines on Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) and Maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) have been endorsed by the Ministry of Health and are being rolled-out, with impact monitoring underway. However, a Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and other legal frameworks are yet to be developed and put into force.
Last updated: November 2017
2016
Last updated: December 2016
2015
The South Sudan Finance department has agreed to provide a separate budget line for nutrition programmes in MOH. It was made possible because of the effective engagement with the Finance department in preparation for the SUN Movement Budget Analysis Exercise to report on nutrition related expenditure across sectors. UN agencies (UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization) are working with the MOH to develop and enforce key policies and legislation including Universal Salt Iodisation, Breast Milk Substitute marketing codes and fortification laws and standards.
Last updated: October 2015
The Ministry of Health is integrating nutrition into health sector guidelines, strategies and policies. Key nutrition activities and partner mappings are carried out in collaboration with the Nutrition Cluster. The Ministry of Health – in consultation with stakeholders – have, in the reporting period, developed an annual nutrition work plan, and joint monitoring mechanism.
Last updated: November 2017
2016
Last updated: December 2016
2015
Last updated: October 2015
No progress has been documented in the reporting period due to the ongoing conflict.
Last updated: November 2017
2016
Last updated: December 2016
2015
The Department for International Development, the European Commission, Food for Peace by the Office of Disaster Assistance in the United States Agency for International Aid, the Government of Japan, UNICEF and UNICEF National Committees are the main donors for nutrition programs and funding is channeled mainly through UN agencies and civil society organisations.
Nutrition interventions are being implemented across the country, with major contributions directed to address severe acute malnutrition programs in emergencies, however, there is limited finding available for major development interventions to address chronic malnutrition or to prevent stunting.
A priority for South Sudan is to establish a transparent financial reporting and tracking system that enables the government and donors to track resources and ensure transparency and accountability.
Last updated: October 2015
SUN Government Focal Point
Dr. Makur M. Kariom
Undersecretary, Ministry of Health
Donor Convenor
- TBC



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