Conflict leaves South Sudan communities isolated as UNICEF warns of worsening humanitarian crisis

Thousands of vulnerable families in conflict-hit parts of South Sudan have been left without basic healthcare, clean water and other life-saving support as violence and insecurity disrupt humanitarian operations.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Monday called for safe, predictable and sustained humanitarian access to communities affected by conflict, warning that conditions can deteriorate rapidly when aid routes remain blocked.

The appeal came after UNICEF and its partners restored life-saving assistance to conflict-isolated communities in Wiechjol and Waat in Jonglei State, where some families had gone months without humanitarian support.

The joint operation delivered critical assistance to vulnerable households, many of which had been cut off from aid because of escalating conflict, displacement and unsafe travel routes.

“For many families, this was the first help they had seen in months. But what we found shows how much more is needed, and how quickly conditions can deteriorate if access continues to be constrained in these areas,” said Noala Skinner, UNICEF representative to South Sudan.

Conflict disrupts services

According to UNICEF, escalating conflict, mass displacement and dangerous travel routes have severely disrupted essential services across the region since January.

The unrest has forced health facilities to close, leaving families without reliable access to healthcare, clean water, protection and nutrition services.

Through its Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM), UNICEF delivered more than eight tonnes of essential supplies to the affected communities.

The humanitarian operation screened 1,666 children under five for acute malnutrition, with 146 children admitted for life-saving treatment and 602 others with moderate acute malnutrition referred for follow-up care.

UNICEF also counselled 331 caregivers on child feeding practices as part of efforts to protect children from the effects of food insecurity and malnutrition.

Healthcare under pressure

Some 1,241 patients, including 250 young children, received primary healthcare consultations and treatment for common illnesses such as malaria, respiratory infections, diarrhoea and skin diseases.

The response also targeted water, sanitation and hygiene needs, with 1,200 households receiving water filters and purification supplies.

Some 200 women and girls received dignity kits, while more than 2,000 people were reached with hygiene and disease prevention messages.

“Access challenges in Jonglei State have left the lives of mothers and their children hanging in the balance. The RRM missions are important, but operating conditions in northern Jonglei remain challenging,” Skinner said.

Call to protect children

UNICEF called for an end to grave violations against children, including their recruitment and use by armed forces and groups.

The agency also urged increased investment in protection services for women and children to prevent gender-based violence, child abductions and other protection risks.

It called for continued support for emergency response initiatives such as the RRM to prevent disruptions in the supply of life-saving items, including therapeutic food, medicines and clean water.

UNICEF emphasised the need for sustained partnerships and flexible humanitarian financing to ensure aid can reach vulnerable communities despite the continuing conflict.