UNICEF Warns of Starvation of Tens of Thousands of Children in South Sudan’s

(MENAFN) UNICEF has warned that over 450,000 children in South Sudan’s Jonglei state are at immediate risk of acute malnutrition due to escalating violence that has displaced thousands and disrupted critical health services.

“Noala Skinner, UNICEF’s country representative, emphasized that a malnourished child without treatment is 12 times more likely to die,” the agency said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, at least 250,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, mostly in northern and central Jonglei. The clashes involve the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), led by Oyet Nathaniel, and have intensified since December.

Skinner called on all parties to immediately stop the violence and allow “rapid, unimpeded, safe access” for humanitarian aid to reach the displaced and vulnerable populations.

Humanitarian efforts are being hampered by travel restrictions via 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, including 10 incidents of looting in Jonglei.

UNICEF is also responding to a potential cholera outbreak in Duk County with water purification kits, soap, and buckets. Additional supplies, including malaria treatment, therapeutic food, and emergency health kits, have been sent to Akobo to assist over 10,000 people.

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