The IPC Acute Food Insecurity analysis was conducted in South Sudan from October 26th to November 16th, 2020. During the vetting session of the analysis, a breakdown in consensus among the country IPC Technical Working Group members emerged in relation to the estimation of populations in IPC Phase 5 in six counties, namely: Akobo and Pibor (Jonglei State), Aweil South (Northern Bahr el Gahzal State) and Tonj East, Tonj North and Tonj South (Warrap State). In line with IPC protocols, on November 17th, 2020, the South Sudan IPC Technical Working Group partners requested the IPC Global Support Unit to conduct a Real Time Quality Review (RTQR) to assess the presence of populations in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe) in the IPC Acute Food Insecurity analysis regarding the six counties for which consensus had not been reached.

The IPC Global Support unit, thus, organized and coordinated the review, which was undertaken by a team of nine IPC experts from IPC global partner organizations who reviewed the analysis conducted by the South Sudan analysis team along with the evidence available. During this process, the quality review team found that Pibor county presented a very concerning situation, with some indicators surpassing the IPC Phase 5 (Famine) thresholds. Therefore, the team recommended to the IPC Global Support Unit that a Famine Review be undertaken for this county. This resulted in the activation of the Famine Review Committee (FRC) on November 19th, 2020, in accordance with the IPC Famine Guidance Note.

Meanwhile, the quality review team pursued the review of the five other areas, namely Akobo, Aweil South, Tonj East, Tonj North and Tonj South. The Famine Review Committee, composed of five independent international food security and nutrition experts, conducted the review of Pibor county from November 20th to December 2nd. The Famine Review Committee used the analysis and all evidence used by the South Sudan IPC Food Security and Acute Malnutrition Technical Working Groups as well as other relevant data and information made available during the review. On December 2nd, the results of the Real Time Quality Review and the Famine Review were presented to the South Sudan IPC Technical Working Group and the final reports were subsequently shared for consideration and incorporation in the IPC analysis report at country level.