Ambassador Lumumba Maklele Nyajok and Technology Leaders Discuss Digital Innovations to Address South Sudan’s Complex Humanitarian Emergency

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 8, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic engagement, His Excellency Lumumba Maklele Nyajok, Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan to India, met with technology leaders and humanitarian advocates to explore innovative digital solutions for addressing the unprecedented humanitarian crisis unfolding in his nation. The meeting signals a growing recognition among South Sudan’s diplomatic community of the transformative potential of technology in delivering aid, coordinating responses, and building resilience in conflict-affected communities.

The discussions centered on leveraging digital tools, data management systems, and technology- driven approaches to enhance humanitarian aid effectiveness in South Sudan—a nation grappling with one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.

The Humanitarian Crisis: Scale and Urgency

The statistics are sobering and demand urgent action. South Sudan is facing a multifaceted humanitarian catastrophe that defies easy comprehension:

Crisis in Numbers

Humanitarian Needs:

9+ million people require humanitarian assistance—approximately 80% of South Sudan’s total population

4.9 million children are in urgent need of humanitarian support

9.3 million people projected in need for 2025, reflecting the deteriorating situation

Displacement Crisis:

2+ million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have fled their homes due to conflict, violence, and flooding

2.3 million refugees living outside South Sudan’s borders, seeking refuge in neighboring countries

Since the Sudan conflict began in April 2023, over 996,648 individuals, including 498,293 children, have entered South Sudan as refugees and returnees—representing an 8% increase in South Sudan’s total population

Impact of Floods and Conflict:

1.4+ million people affected by flooding across 44 counties in 2024 alone

397,000 new displacements recorded between January and August 2025

Conflict and violence have disrupted humanitarian operations, with over 400 incidents reported in 2024—a 16% increase compared to 2023

Health Emergencies

Cholera Outbreak (2024-2025):

91,617 suspected cholera cases reported as of August 2025

1,555 cholera-related deaths with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 1.7%

Affected 55 counties across 9 states and 3 Administrative Areas

Children disproportionately affected: Ages 0-4 years account for 24% of cases; ages 5-14 years represent 22% of cases

Malaria Crisis:

As previously documented in Unity State alone: 13,639 cases and 12 deaths in just four months (July-October 2025)

Estimated 5.5 million annual malaria cases nationwide with over 4,380 deaths

Disease accounts for 52-66.8% of outpatient consultations and 30-50% of mortality in the country

Acute Malnutrition:

650,000 children at risk of severe acute malnutrition

2.1 million people affected by acute malnutrition

484,502 children aged 6-59 months admitted for severe wasting treatment

Food Security Crisis

6.3 million people classified in IPC Phase 3 or above (crisis or worse) in 2024

7.7 million people projected to face severe food insecurity in 2025 lean season

1.7 million individuals facing critical acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 4 Emergency or higher)

Hardest hit regions: Jonglei, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Upper Nile, Unity, and Warrap States

Humanitarian Access Constraints

70+ incidents reported in August 2025 alone

371 incidents recorded between January and August 2025

Violence against humanitarian staff, compounds, and supplies escalating

Armed clashes and airstrikes disrupting aid delivery

Administrative obstacles and adverse weather compounding access challenges

Critical Funding Gap

The humanitarian response is severely underfunded:

Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) appeal only 19% funded as of August 2025

$278.2 million required with only a fraction received

Education: 96% funding gap

WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene): 90% funding gap

Health services: 83% funding gap

Child protection: 73% funding gap

Nutrition programs: 72% funding gap

These funding shortfalls directly translate into unnecessary suffering and preventable deaths among the most vulnerable populations.

Ambassador Nyajok: A Committed Voice for South Sudan

His Excellency Lumumba Maklele Nyajok has emerged as a determined advocate for South Sudan’s development and humanitarian response, despite the extraordinary challenges facing his nation.

Presenting his credentials to the President of India in July 2024, Ambassador Nyajok has since worked tirelessly to strengthen India-South Sudan relations and mobilize international support for his country’s crisis response.

In the meeting, Ambassador Nyajok emphasized South Sudan’s need for immediate technological support to:

1. Enhance Coordination: Improve real-time communication and data sharing among humanitarian organizations operating across the country
2. Optimize Resource Allocation: Use data-driven approaches to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable populations
3. Strengthen Surveillance: Deploy early warning systems for disease outbreaks and natural disasters
4. Empower Communities: Provide local organizations with digital tools for self-assessment, planning, and advocacy
5. Build Resilience: Create sustainable technology infrastructure that supports long-term development beyond the emergency phase

Technology as a Game-Changer: Evidence from the Field

The potential of technology to transform humanitarian aid is not theoretical—it has been proven in South Sudan and similar contexts:

Real-World Successes

Pharmaceutical Supply Tracking:

International Medical Corps deployed an app to track pharmaceutical supplies in South Sudan

Out-of-stock rates for medicines reduced from 32% to 3%

Clinic wait times cut from 85 minutes to 15 minutes

Impact: Thousands more patients received timely medical care with existing resources

Community-Based Information Networks:

Youth Empowerment and Development Aid (YEDA) established community networks in hard-to- reach areas

Equipped village representatives with mobile phones, radios, and portable solar panels

Result: Real-time, two-way communication between internally displaced persons and humanitarian actors

Outcome: Better targeting of aid, prioritization of underserved areas, and life-saving information delivery

Digital Humanitarian Collaboration:

RISE South Sudan consortium trained local NGOs and community-based organizations (CBOs) in digital project management

Implemented collaborative digital platforms for data collection, analysis, and visualization

Impact: Enhanced community resilience, improved preparedness, and coordinated emergency response

Cloud-Based Disaster Response:

AWS disaster response teams utilized cloud infrastructure during humanitarian crises

Results: Rapid situation assessment, common operating picture, interim connectivity for response coordination

Efficiency gains: Faster deployment of aid, better resource coordination, enhanced situational awareness

Digital Innovation Areas with High Potential for South Sudan

1. Telemedicine: Bring advanced medical care to war-wounded victims and disease outbreak patients in remote areas
2. Digital Cash Transfers: Enable faster economic assistance and increased autonomy for aid recipients
3. Satellite Technology: Real-time monitoring of flooding, conflict zones, and displacement patterns
4. Drone Assessments: Rapid damage assessment after disasters without exposing personnel to danger

• Mobile Data Collection: Community health workers using smartphones for disease surveillance and nutrition monitoring
• Facial Recognition: Help reunite separated families torn apart by conflict and displacement
• Early Warning Systems: Predictive analytics for disease outbreaks, food security crises, and conflict escalation
• Blockchain for Transparency: Track aid distribution and prevent diversion of humanitarian supplies
• AI-Powered Logistics: Optimize supply chain management for medicine, food, and emergency supplies
• Community Engagement Platforms: Enable marginalized communities to voice needs and participate in planning

Strategic Framework: Technology Solutions for South Sudan

Immediate Priorities (0-6 Months)

Emergency Response Enhancement:

Deploy mobile-based disease surveillance systems for real-time reporting of cholera, malaria, measles, and other disease outbreaks

Establish digital supply chain tracking for pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and emergency supplies

Create WhatsApp and SMS-based communication networks for humanitarian coordination in areas with limited internet

Develop offline-capable apps for community health workers in areas without reliable connectivity

Data Integration:

Consolidate humanitarian data from multiple agencies into unified dashboards for better coordination

Implement real-time population movement tracking using aggregated mobile phone data (with privacy protections)

Create early warning systems for disease outbreaks and food insecurity crises

Medium-Term Priorities (6-18 Months)

Community Capacity Building:

Train 5,000+ community health workers in digital tools and data collection

Establish digital literacy programs in local languages (Nuer, Dinka, Shilluk, Arabic, English)

Empower local NGOs and CBOs with project management and data analytics platforms

Deploy community-based monitoring networks using affordable smartphones and solar charging stations

Infrastructure Development:

Install solar-powered communication towers in remote areas to improve connectivity

Establish community information centers with internet access and charging stations

Create redundant communication systems that function during network outages

Long-Term Priorities (18+ Months)

Sustainable Systems:

Develop locally-managed digital health information systems integrated with national health architecture

Build South Sudanese technical capacity through training programs in software development and data analysis

Create national disaster management systems with early warning capabilities

Establish social protection registries using digital identification for equitable aid distribution

Innovation Hub:

Establish a South Sudan Humanitarian Technology Hub to develop local solutions

Partner with universities and research institutions to adapt global innovations for local context

Foster private sector engagement through impact investing and corporate social responsibility programs

Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Framework

Successful implementation requires coordination across multiple sectors:

Government Leadership

Ministry of Health and Sanitation (disease surveillance, health information systems)

Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management (coordination platform)

Ministry of Cabinet Affairs (policy environment and regulatory framework)

International Organizations

WHO: Disease surveillance and health system strengthening

UNICEF: Child-focused data collection and WASH monitoring

WFP: Food security tracking and supply chain optimization

UNHCR: Displacement monitoring and refugee tracking

IOM: Migration management and population movement data

OCHA: Humanitarian coordination platform

Technology Sector

Cloud service providers (AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure) for data hosting and analytics

Mobile technology companies for connectivity solutions

Software development firms for custom solutions

Cybersecurity partners for data protection

Civil Society

Local NGOs and community-based organizations

Youth-led innovation groups

Women’s organizations for targeted outreach

Faith-based organizations for community mobilization

India-South Sudan Cooperation

Indian tech companies’ expertise in mobile solutions and affordable technology

India’s experience in digital governance and health information systems

Indian universities’ research capabilities in humanitarian technology

Development partnerships through bilateral cooperation mechanisms

Alignment with Global Development Frameworks

This technology-enabled humanitarian response directly supports:

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Target 3.3: End epidemics of AIDS, TB, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases

Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage and access to safe medicines

Target 3.9: Reduce deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution

SDG 1: No Poverty

Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems

Target 1.5: Build resilience of the poor to climate and economic shocks

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Target 5.5: Ensure women’s participation in decision-making

Target 5.b: Enhance use of ICT to promote women’s empowerment

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Target 17.8: Enhance international cooperation on technology and innovation

African Union Agenda 2063

Aspiration 1: A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development

Goal: Healthy and well-nourished citizens with adequate levels of health investment

Africa Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030)

Focus: Leveraging digital technologies for development and service delivery

South Sudan National Development Strategy

Priorities:

Universal Health Coverage through strengthened health systems

Emergency response and humanitarian coordination

Conflict prevention and peace consolidation

Economic recovery and social stability

Call to Action: Building the Partnership

The meeting between Ambassador Nyajok and technology leaders opens a critical window of opportunity. The international community—particularly technology companies, governments, and humanitarian organizations—must act urgently to:

For Technology Companies

• Contribute expertise and discounted or pro-bono services for humanitarian response
• Deploy scalable, affordable solutions designed for low-connectivity environments
• Invest in local capacity building and knowledge transfer
• Commit to data security and privacy protections for vulnerable populations

For Governments (Including India)

• Allocate development assistance specifically for humanitarian technology
• Create regulatory environments that facilitate rapid technology deployment during crises
• Support digital infrastructure investment in South Sudan
• Share best practices from their own humanitarian technology initiatives

For International Organizations

• Coordinate technology platforms to avoid duplication and silos
• Advocate for increased funding for technology-enabled solutions
• Support South Sudanese leadership in identifying technology priorities
• Provide technical assistance for implementation and sustainability

For Private Sector & Impact Investors

• Develop sustainable business models for humanitarian technology services
• Invest in South Sudanese social enterprises working on technology solutions
• Support technology entrepreneurship among youth and women
• Create employment opportunities through technology-enabled services

For Humanitarian Organizations

• Integrate technology into humanitarian response strategies
• Train staff in digital tools and data management
• Participate in coordination platforms to share information and resources
• Advocate for adequate funding for technology components of humanitarian programs

For South Sudan’s Government & Leadership

• Demonstrate political commitment to technology-enabled governance
• Create institutional mechanisms for coordinating technology initiatives
• Invest domestic resources in digital infrastructure
• Ensure technology solutions serve South Sudanese priorities, not external agendas

The Human Imperative: Beyond the Statistics

Behind every statistic is a human story—a child suffering from malaria, a mother displaced from her home, a health worker trying to save lives with inadequate resources. When Ambassador Nyajok discusses technological support for his country’s crisis, he is speaking for millions of voiceless people whose lives hang in balance.

Technology alone cannot resolve South Sudan’s political conflicts or restore social stability. However, it can:

• Save lives through better disease surveillance and health service coordination
• Reduce suffering by ensuring aid reaches those most in need
• Empower communities to participate in solutions affecting their own lives
• Build resilience so that when crises pass, South Sudan emerges stronger
• Restore hope by demonstrating that the international community cares and is taking action

Vision for the Future: A Resilient, Connected South Sudan

Imagine South Sudan in 2030:

• Health workers in remote villages have access to telemedicine consultations with specialists, instantly diagnosing malaria and cholera cases
• Community leaders monitor disease outbreaks in real time, triggering rapid response before epidemics spiral out of control
• Families separated by conflict use digital identification and facial recognition to reunite
• Farmers receive weather forecasts and early warnings of flooding through mobile phones, protecting crops and lives
• Mothers access maternal health services through digital scheduling and reminders, reducing maternal mortality
• Children in displacement camps attend online classes, keeping education alive despite physical displacement
• Businesses leverage digital tools to create jobs and rebuild livelihoods in post-conflict communities
• Organizations working to build peace share real-time data on conflict trends, enabling early intervention
• Aid organizations coordinate seamlessly using integrated digital platforms, eliminating duplication and reaching every person in need

This vision is achievable—not through technology magic, but through deliberate investment, genuine partnership, and sustained commitment to putting South Sudan’s people first.

Conclusion: Seizing the Moment

Ambassador Lumumba Maklele Nyajok’s diplomatic initiative to explore technological solutions for South Sudan’s humanitarian crisis represents a turning point. It signals that South Sudan’s leadership understands the transformative potential of technology and is actively seeking partnerships to leverage it.

The international community must respond with the same urgency and commitment. The window of opportunity to prevent further deterioration of South Sudan’s humanitarian situation is closing rapidly. Every month of delay means more children malnourished, more disease outbreaks undetected, more displacement unaddressed, more suffering unalleviated.

Technology will not end South Sudan’s conflicts or resolve political disputes. But it can amplify the voice of the voiceless, strengthen the hands of those delivering aid, and build the resilience necessary for South Sudan to eventually break free from the cycle of crisis and conflict.

The choice before us is clear: Will we meet this moment with courage and commitment? Will we partner with Ambassador Nyajok and South Sudan’s people to harness technology for humanitarian good? Or will we allow the suffering to continue while possessing the tools and knowledge to prevent it?

History will judge us by our answer.

About the Participants

His Excellency Lumumba Maklele Nyajok

Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan to India, based at the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in New Delhi (F/3/12, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-110057). Ambassador Nyajok presented his credentials to the President of India in July 2024 and has been working to strengthen bilateral relations between India and South Sudan while mobilizing international support for his country’s humanitarian response.

Technology and Humanitarian Leaders

Participants included representatives from technology companies, humanitarian organizations, development agencies, and civil society organizations committed to leveraging innovation for social impact in crisis-affected contexts.

Media Contact & Partnership Inquiries

For information about technology solutions for South Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, or to discuss partnership opportunities:

Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan New Delhi, India

Email: erss.dlin@gmail.com OR profripuranjansinha@gmail.com
Phone: +91 11 40159287 or +91-960-2570-498

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM IST

Hashtags for Social Media

#StandWithSouthSudan #ChildrenFirst #HumanitarianAid #TechForGood #DisasterResponse

#GlobalSolidarity #HopeInAction #IndiaSouthSudan #DigitalHumanitarianResponse

#SustainableDevelopment #SDG2030 #AgendaAfrica2063

Key Facts to Remember

Over 9 million people (80% of population) require humanitarian assistance

4.9 million children facing acute humanitarian needs

13,639 malaria cases and 12 deaths in Unity State alone (July-October 2025)

91,617 cholera cases with 1,555 deaths as of August 2025

2+ million internally displaced, 2.3 million refugees outside the country

Humanitarian response only 19% funded—critical gaps in health, education, WASH, and nutrition

Technology-enabled solutions have proven 75-90% effectiveness in similar contexts

India-South Sudan partnership offers unique opportunities for affordable, scalable technology solutions