By Matik Kueth
At least more than 450,000 children in South Sudan’s Jonglei State are at risk of acute malnutrition as escalating hostilities continue to drive mass displacement and disrupt critical health and nutrition services, according to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.
In a statement extended to King Media on Tuesday, Noala Skinner, UNICEF’s Country Representative, said the beginning of 2026 has displaced at least 250,000 people, particularly across the northern and central parts of the state.
He noted that the violence has compounded an already fragile humanitarian situation in areas known to record some of the country’s highest levels of child malnutrition.
“We are extremely concerned for women and children impacted by these violent clashes. We know that these areas have some of the highest levels of child malnutrition, and we know that a malnourished child without treatment is 12 times more likely to die,” Skinner said.
He urged all parties to cease hostilities and allow rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to vulnerable populations.
Humanitarian operations have been significantly affected by insecurity and movement restrictions along key supply routes.
UNICEF said aid agencies are facing challenges reaching displaced communities due to limits on travel by river, air, and road, slowing the delivery of lifesaving assistance.
Six counties in Jonglei are either facing or nearing stock-outs of therapeutic foods, a critical treatment for severely malnourished children, raising fears of worsening health outcomes if access does not improve.
Across South Sudan, the agency has also recorded the closure of at least 17 health facilities due to conflict, with associated nutrition services suspended.
In addition, 10 incidents of looting targeting health and nutrition supplies have been reported, five of them in Jonglei alone.
Despite the constraints, UNICEF said it is continuing emergency interventions.
Water purification equipment, buckets, and soap have been delivered to Duk County amid growing concerns of a potential cholera outbreak.
Additional supplies, including malaria treatment, therapeutic food, and emergency health kits capable of serving more than 10,000 people, have been dispatched to Akobo County.
UNICEF further reiterated its call for all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure humanitarian workers can safely reach communities in urgent need.