UNICEF Warns Over 450,000 Children in Jonglei at Risk of Malnutrition Amid Rising Violence in South Sudan

ISTANBUL, Feb. 4 :  More than 450,000 children in South Sudan’s Jonglei state face an imminent risk of acute malnutrition as escalating violence has displaced thousands and disrupted critical health services, UNICEF said on Tuesday.

“We know that a malnourished child without treatment is 12 times more likely to die,” said UNICEF country representative Noala Skinner, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.

Violent clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), led by Oyet Nathaniel, have intensified since December, displacing at least 250,000 people, primarily in the northern and central regions of Jonglei, according to the government’s Relief and Rehabilitation Commission.

Skinner urged all parties to immediately halt hostilities and ensure “rapid, unimpeded, safe access” for humanitarian aid workers to reach displaced and highly vulnerable populations.

The UN agency noted that delivery of emergency assistance has been severely hindered by travel restrictions across rivers, roads, and air routes. Six counties in Jonglei are running low on therapeutic foods for severely malnourished children, while 17 health facilities nationwide have closed due to conflict. There have been ten reported incidents of looting, five of which occurred in Jonglei.

UNICEF also warned of a potential cholera outbreak in Duk County and is responding with water purification equipment, buckets, and soap. Additional support, including malaria treatments, therapeutic food, and emergency health kits, has been sent to Akobo to assist more than 10,000 people.

The violence in South Sudan has escalated since early 2025, highlighting deep divisions within the transitional government established under the 2018 peace agreement. Clashes initially erupted in Western Equatoria State before spreading north.

First Vice President Riek Machar has been under house arrest since March 2025 and is currently facing trial.