UNICEF Warns of South Sudan Malnutrition Crisis Among Children
“We know that a malnourished child without treatment is 12 times more likely to die,” said Noala Skinner, UNICEF’s country representative, in an official statement.
According to the statement, citing the government body Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, violent confrontations have displaced at least 250,000 people, mostly from the northern and central parts of Jonglei state.
The clashes have intensified since December between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), led by Oyet Nathaniel, deputy chair of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO).
Skinner called on all parties to immediately stop the fighting and guarantee “rapid, unimpeded, safe access” for humanitarian assistance and personnel to reach the most vulnerable displaced populations.
The UN agency highlighted that the delivery of emergency relief has been seriously obstructed, as restrictions on river, air, and road travel are preventing aid organizations from reaching those in urgent need.
It reported that six counties in Jonglei are running low on therapeutic foods for severely malnourished children, and 17 health facilities nationwide have closed due to conflict, with 10 incidents of looting, including five in Jonglei.
Additionally, UNICEF cautioned about a potential cholera outbreak in Duk County, as it mobilizes water purification equipment, buckets, and soap to address the risk.
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