• In September 2018, 6.1 million people (59% of the total population) are facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3), Emergency (IPC Phase 4) and Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5).
• During the post –harvest period October-December 2018, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance (IPC Phase 3 and above) are expected to reduce to 4.4 million (43% of the total population), out of which 26,000 will be experiencing catastrophic conditions (IPC Phase 5) and extreme food gaps.   
• By January-March 2018, 5.2 million people (49% of the total population) are estimated to continue to face acute food insecurity, with 36,000 people in catastrophic conditions (IPC Phase 5). 
• Persistent insecurity and armed conflict have disrupted livelihood activities, affected market functionality and limited physical access to markets. In addition, an anticipated earlier-than-normal start of the lean season in many areas will further hamper people’s food security, impairing the very survival of the most vulnerable.
• Acute malnutrition has slightly improved compared to the same period in 2017. Acute malnutrition is still at Critical levels in 31 counties in the former states of Warrap, Unity, Upper Nile, and Jonglei, while 20 counties in Lakes, Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile reported ‘Serious’ (GAM (WHZ) 10.0-14.9%) levels of acute malnutrition. The main contributing factors are poor access to health and nutrition services, high morbidity, extremely poor diets and poor sanitation and hygiene. Levels of acute malnutrition are expected to improve marginally by December 2018 due to seasonal availability of local production, increased availability of fish and milk at the household level, and improved access to markets and service.

• Scale-up humanitarian food assistance to avert a deteriorating situation especially in areas with continued access constraints and areas likely to receive returnees. 
• Advocate and lobby for humanitarian access and support to inaccessible and most critical counties. 
• Implement activities to rebuild livelihoods and improve access to basic services.  

Severe food insecurity is affecting the population as a whole, with internally displaced persons (IDPs) being the most vulnerable.

• In September 2018, populations facing “Catastrophe” (IPC Phase 5) are located in the following counties: Leer, Mayendit, Yirol East, Yirol West, Canal/ Pigi, Panyikang, Greater Baggari. 
• In October - December 2018, people will continue to face catastrophic levels of food insecurity in the following counties: Leer, Mayendit, Panyikang, Greater Baggari and Pibor.  
• In January - March 2019, catastrophic outcomes are expected to persist especially in Pibor, Canal/ Pigi, Leer and Mayendit counties.