Persistent conflict, desert locust swarms, economic crisis, recurrent flooding and COVID-19 are increasing humanitarian need across South Sudan - including the risk of famine. Since the conflict began in 2013, more than two million people have been displaced and more than 380,000 killed. With more than half of the population now facing severe food insecurity, the threat of violence has made it dangerous for aid groups to reach those most in need.

Health facilities in South Sudan are often under-resourced including inadequate supplies, equipment, shortages of skilled providers. Since many South Sudanese do not have access to clean water, diseases like malaria continue to spread.

Aweil East – the county in Northern Bahr-El Ghazal State where EQUAL will work - has received an influx of refugees returning from Sudan. The state has some of the most acute health challenges in the country.