MABAN, South Sudan (AP) – The hunger crisis in South Sudan has escalated to alarming levels, as illustrated through a series of powerful photographs documenting the ongoing struggle for survival in the region. This photo gallery, curated by AP photo editors, captures the dire conditions faced by many South Sudanese, particularly in the Maban area, which is characterized by malnutrition among its vulnerable populations.
One poignant image shows patients seated outside the malnutrition ward at Bunj Hospital in Maban on August 19, 2025. This photograph highlights the overwhelming number of individuals affected by severe malnutrition, a condition exacerbated by the ongoing conflict, inadequate access to food, and a lack of essential services. Another photograph from August 18, 2025, captures 14-month-old Adut Duor on her mother's lap within the same ward, underscoring the heart-wrenching reality that many children are battling for their lives in these hospital facilities.
The Gendrassa Refugee Camp, located in Maban, serves as another critical focus in the narrative of hardship. On August 20, 2025, a photograph depicts women actively engaging in the local market—demonstrating resilience amidst chaos—as they sell goods despite the challenging economic conditions. In a nearby scene, women are seen fetching water, which is an essential but often scarce resource, emphasizing the daily struggles faced by refugees.
Moreover, the ongoing assistance from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) plays a vital role in alleviating some of the hunger-related challenges. A photograph taken on August 20 shows women waiting expectantly for cash assistance and dry grain distribution, revealing the reliance of many families on humanitarian aid. In another compelling image from the same day, a man is captured scooping portions of wheat to be allocated to families during a food distribution event, illustrating a moment of hope amid desperation.
In Bor, South Sudan, conditions are similarly dire. On August 18, 2025, the scene outside Bor State Hospital reveals families grappling with malnutrition. A mother and her child are seen in the malnutrition ward, a stark reminder of the widespread impact of food scarcity on health. Additional photographs from Bor depict mothers standing anxiously with their children, reflecting a shared plight among many families facing the dire consequences of prolonged hunger.
A particularly striking image from August 18 features Rebekah Nyekhor, a 31-year-old mother of five, inside her makeshift home in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp on the outskirts of Bor. This photograph captures the challenging living conditions that many families endure, highlighting the need for comprehensive support systems to address their immediate needs and long-term well-being.
These images collectively paint a harrowing picture of life in South Sudan amid the worsening hunger crisis. They underscore the urgent need for international attention and assistance to address the humanitarian challenges faced by millions in this region. The stories behind each photograph evoke empathy and call for action as the battle against malnutrition continues to unfold against the backdrop of conflict and instability.
