The Nexus Between Climate Change, Security Impact on Public Health, and WASH in South Sudan

IN A NUTSHELL
Author's Note
Climate change significantly impacts public health and security, particularly in fragile states such as South Sudan. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and extreme weather events have exacerbated water scarcity, reduced water quality, and increased disease burdens. These environmental stressors intensify conflicts over resources, leading to displacement and further strain on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services. 

According to the United Nations (2023), over 60% of South Sudan's population lacks access to safe drinking water, while 75% depends on unimproved sanitation facilities. Additionally, with the termination of all USAID-funded projects in South Sudan, the already significant funding gaps for WASH services will further widen, exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis. 

This article highlights the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure, integrated policies, and coordinated humanitarian responses to enhance South Sudan's adaptive capacity

By David Odukanga

WASH and Climate Change Advisor 

The Nexus Between Climate Change, Security Impact on Public Health, and WASH in South Sudan

 

Introduction

Climate change is a global crisis with profound implications for security and public health, particularly in vulnerable regions such as South Sudan. The country, already grappling with political instability and economic fragility, faces severe climate-induced challenges that impact access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. The increasing frequency of droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall patterns exacerbates water shortages, leading to a rise in waterborne diseases and heightened competition over scarce resources. For instance, the 2021 floods affected over 850,000 people (OCHA, 2021), damaging WASH infrastructure and increasing the spread of waterborne diseases. The withdrawal of USAID funding will likely lead to the closure of essential projects, reduced access to clean water, and an increased burden on humanitarian agencies struggling to fill the void. This interplay between climate change, security, and public health underscores the need for comprehensive and resilient WASH interventions.

Climate Change and Its Impact on WASH Services in South Sudan

South Sudan’s climate is characterized by prolonged dry spells and intense seasonal flooding, both of which severely disrupt WASH services.

Water Scarcity and Quality

Reduced rainfall and prolonged droughts deplete water sources, forcing communities to rely on unsafe water supplies. A report by UNICEF (2022) found that 58% of South Sudanese households consume contaminated water, increasing the risk of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea.

Flooding and Infrastructure Damage

Heavy floods destroy water infrastructure, contaminate boreholes, and spread pollutants, leading to increased health risks. The 2020 floods, for example, submerged more than 70% of Unity State (UNHCR, 2020), rendering WASH facilities non-functional.

Sanitation Challenges

Disruptions to sanitation facilities due to extreme weather events contribute to open defecation, exacerbating disease outbreaks and further straining health systems.

Security Implications of Climate-Induced Water Scarcity

Climate change-induced water shortages contribute to resource-based conflicts among communities, leading to displacement and heightened security threats.

Resource-Based Conflicts

Competition over diminishing water sources fuels intercommunal violence, exacerbating instability in South Sudan. In 2023, conflicts between pastoralist communities over water and grazing lands in Jonglei and Warrap states resulted in over 500 deaths (International Crisis Group, 2023).

Forced Displacement

Climate-induced displacement places immense pressure on host communities and humanitarian agencies, increasing the demand for clean water and sanitation services. The International Organization for Migration (2022) estimated that over 1.6 million people were displaced due to climate-related disasters.

Disruptions in Health Services

Security threats hinder access to healthcare facilities, reducing the effectiveness of WASH interventions and increasing vulnerability to disease outbreaks.

Public Health Consequences of Climate Change and WASH Deficiencies

The deterioration of WASH services due to climate change directly impacts public health outcomes in South Sudan.

Increased Disease Burden

Poor water quality and inadequate sanitation contribute to cholera outbreaks, acute watery diarrhoea, and malnutrition, particularly among children and displaced populations. South Sudan recorded over 3,500 cholera cases in 2022 alone (WHO, 2022).

Compromised Maternal and Child Health

Pregnant women and children are disproportionately affected by inadequate WASH services, leading to higher maternal and infant mortality rates. The maternal mortality rate in South Sudan stands at 1,150 per 100,000 live births, among the highest in the world (World Bank, 2023).

Vector-Borne Diseases

Stagnant floodwaters create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the prevalence of malaria and other vector-borne diseases. Malaria accounts for 33% of all hospital admissions in South Sudan (MSF, 2023).

Strategies for Strengthening Climate-Resilient WASH Systems

To mitigate the impact of climate change on public health and security, South Sudan must adopt integrated and sustainable WASH strategies.

Investment in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

Building flood-resistant water systems, rehabilitating boreholes, and improving drainage systems are crucial for sustaining WASH services.

Policy and Governance Frameworks

Strengthening policies on climate adaptation, water resource management, and sanitation can enhance resilience.

Community-Based Adaptation

Engaging local communities in WASH interventions ensures sustainability and enhances preparedness for climate-related disasters.

Humanitarian Coordination

With the withdrawal of USAID funding, urgent efforts must be made to secure alternative sources of funding for WASH services. Collaboration between government, international organizations, and NGOs is essential for effective emergency response and long-term resilience building.

Conclusion

The nexus between climate change, security, and public health highlights the urgency of investing in resilient WASH systems in South Sudan. Addressing these interconnected challenges requires a multi-sectoral approach that integrates climate adaptation strategies, conflict resolution mechanisms, and sustainable health interventions. Strengthening WASH services will not only improve public health outcomes but also contribute to stability and resilience in South Sudan’s fragile environment. With the termination of USAID projects, urgent action is required to fill the funding gap to prevent worsening public health crises.

 

References

  • International Crisis Group, Water Scarcity and Conflict in South Sudan.
  • International Organization for Migration (IOM), South Sudan Displacement Overview.
  • Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Malaria in South Sudan: A Growing Crisis.
  • OCHA, Flood Impact Assessment in South Sudan.
  • UNHCR, Climate Displacement in Unity State, South Sudan.
  • UNICEF, Water Quality Report: South Sudan.
  • United Nations, Access to Clean Water and Sanitation in South Sudan.
  • WHO, Cholera Outbreak Situation Report.
  • World Bank, Maternal Mortality Trends in South Sudan.