Escalating violence in South Sudan’s Jonglei State has placed more than 450,000 children at risk of acute malnutrition, as mass displacement and insecurity continue to disrupt lifesaving health and nutrition services, UNICEF has warned.
The agency says renewed hostilities since the start of 2026 have displaced at least 250,000 people, mainly in northern and central Jonglei, compounding an already fragile humanitarian situation in a region known for some of the highest child malnutrition rates in the country.
“We are extremely concerned for women and children impacted by these violent clashes,” said UNICEF Country Representative Noala Skinner.
“These areas already suffer severe malnutrition, and a malnourished child without treatment is 12 times more likely to die. We urgently call on all parties to cease hostilities and allow safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access.”
Humanitarian operations remain severely constrained, with aid agencies reporting restrictions on river, air, and road movements, limiting access to vulnerable and displaced populations.
UNICEF warns that six counties in Jonglei are either facing or approaching stockouts of therapeutic foods, a critical treatment for severely malnourished children.
The impact of the conflict is being felt nationwide. UNICEF reports that 17 health facilities have been forced to close due to insecurity, suspending essential nutrition services.
In addition, the agency documented 10 incidents of looting involving health and nutrition supplies, five of them in Jonglei State alone.
Despite the deteriorating security situation, UNICEF says it is continuing to respond where access allows.
In Duk County, the agency has delivered water purification equipment, buckets, and soap amid fears of a potential cholera outbreak.
In Akobo County, additional supplies including malaria treatments, therapeutic food, and emergency health kits have been delivered, sufficient to serve more than 10,000 people.
UNICEF reiterated its appeal for an immediate cessation of violence and unrestricted humanitarian access, warning that delays in reaching vulnerable children could have fatal consequences as malnutrition and disease risks continue to rise.
