Impacts of climate change in South Sudan
Summary Points
Since 2019, South Sudan has faced its worst flooding in over 40 years—displacing communities, reducing arable land, fuelling violence, and driving spikes in infectious disease outbreaks. In 2022, MSF engaged with elders and community members in Bentiu Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp and Leer, who reported that the severity of flooding that year surpassed even the worst floods experienced during 1962–64. They explained that the high grounds their ancestors once fled to—such as Rubkona, Bentiu, and parts of Koch and Rotriak—are now submerged, rendering traditional coping methods ineffective.
In areas like Bentiu, floodwaters have persisted for five years without receding, creating ideal conditions for waterborne diseases and perennial malaria transmission. These climate shocks,compounded by ongoing conflict and fragile health infrastructure, directly affect health outcomesin the areas of South Sudan where MSF works.
