By Guya Scopas Bethuel
A new nationwide survey released by the South Sudan Bureau of Statistics, in collaboration with UNICEF, paints a mixed picture of progress and persistent challenges facing children and women in South Sudan.
The 2025 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS)—the most comprehensive dataset on social indicators in the country to date highlights improvements in maternal health and child feeding practices, while exposing critical gaps in education, child protection, and basic services.
Health Gains Offer Some Hope
The report shows encouraging progress in maternal and newborn health. More than half (51%) of births are now attended by skilled health workers, with urban areas reaching as high as 81%. Additionally, 56% of mothers receive at least one antenatal care visit, and about 45% of mothers and newborns receive postnatal care within two days.
Breastfeeding practices have also improved, with 76% of mothers initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and 62% of infants exclusively breastfed for the first five months.
“These gains demonstrate that targeted health interventions are working, particularly in urban areas,” the report notes.
Education Crisis Deepens
Despite these gains, the education sector remains in crisis. Only 42% of children attend primary school, while a mere 6% progress to secondary education. Even more concerning, just 15% of children complete primary school.
Learning outcomes are alarmingly low: only 9% of children in grades 2–3 can read a simple story, and just 11% demonstrate basic numeracy skills.
The survey also reveals stark inequality, with children from wealthier households far more likely to attend school than those from poorer families.
Child Protection Concerns Persist
Child protection indicators show troubling trends. While child marriage is declining among younger generations, it remains widespread—43% of women aged 20–24 were married before turning 18, and nearly 10% before age 15.
Violence against children is also prevalent, with nearly 80% experiencing some form of violent discipline at home, including physical punishment.
Malnutrition and Poor Child Development
Malnutrition continues to affect a significant number of children. The survey found that 19% of children under five are stunted, 17% wasted, and 20% underweight.
Even more alarming, only 5% of children aged 6–23 months receive a minimum acceptable diet.
Early childhood development indicators are equally concerning. Only 13% of children aged 2–4 engage in learning activities with an adult, while 37% are left alone or in the care of another child for extended periods.
Basic Services Lag Behind
Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services remains critically low. While 56% of the population has access to basic drinking water, only 3% have access to basic sanitation, and nearly 79% practice open defecation.
Hygiene access is also limited, with just 6% of households having water and soap available for handwashing.
Low HIV Awareness and Digital Divide
The survey highlights major gaps in HIV awareness, with fewer than 10% of young women able to identify two prevention methods. Only 6% of adolescents reported being tested for HIV in the past year.
Digital access remains uneven. While 44% of households own a mobile phone, access ranges dramatically—from just 5% among the poorest households to 85% among the richest. Internet access is extremely limited, particularly among poorer communities.
Call for Urgent Action
The findings underscore the urgent need for sustained investment in education, child protection, nutrition, and basic services.
With South Sudan preparing for its first general elections in 2026, experts say the data provides a crucial roadmap for policymakers and development partners.
“The evidence is clear,” the report emphasizes. “While progress is possible, accelerated action is needed to ensure no child is left behind.”