South Sudan: Unicef Reaches Communities Cut Off By Conflict in Jonglei State

What the report says

UNICEF and partners have delivered emergency aid to isolated communities in South Sudan’s Jonglei state, where fighting and displacement have disrupted access to basic services. The report, carried by UN News and distributed by AllAfrica, says many families had gone months without humanitarian support as clashes between government and opposition forces continued to affect parts of the state.

The response reached people in Wiechjol in Akobo County and Waat in Nyirol County through UNICEF’s Rapid Response Mechanism. Supplies included therapeutic food for children with acute malnutrition, water treatment items, hygiene kits and medical materials. Aid teams also screened 1,666 children under five for malnutrition, admitted 146 for treatment and referred 602 others for follow-up care. In addition, health workers provided primary care to 1,241 patients and supported water and sanitation services for thousands of residents.

UNICEF said access problems in northern Jonglei have left women and children especially vulnerable, with some health facilities closed and roads unsafe because of conflict. The agency also warned that damaged water systems, poor sanitation and limited health access are contributing to preventable illness, while displacement raises risks of family separation and other protection concerns.

The organization is calling for safer humanitarian access, stronger child protection, continued emergency support and flexible funding to sustain operations. The situation in Jonglei highlights how conflict can quickly cut off essential services in remote areas and increase needs for nutrition, healthcare and clean water.