Humanitarian aid
UNICEF’s emergency aid reaches isolated families in Jonglei, South Sudan amid renewed fighting
In September 2026 UNICEF’s Rapid Response Mechanism delivered more than eight tonnes of therapeutic food, water‑treatment kits and medical supplies to cut‑off communities in Jonglei, screened 1,666 children for malnutrition and treated over 1,200 patients while urging safe humanitarian access.
Rapid deliveries break months of isolation
Escalating clashes since January have blocked roads and forced clinics to shut, leaving residents of Wiechjol in Akobo County and Waat in Nyirol County without assistance for months. UNICEF’s Rapid Response Mechanism moved more than eight tonnes of therapeutic food, water‑treatment products and hygiene kits into these towns. Teams examined 1,666 children under five for acute malnutrition, admitted 146 for immediate treatment and referred 602 with moderate cases for follow‑up care. Nutrition counsellors also reached 331 caregivers to share infant‑feeding guidance. Local SMART surveys indicate that acute malnutrition in Akobo West tops 40 percent, one of the highest rates nationwide.
Health and water‑sanitation services for vulnerable groups
Medical teams provided primary care to 1,241 patients, including 250 children under five, addressing malaria, respiratory infections, watery diarrhoea and skin conditions. In the water, sanitation and hygiene sector, UNICEF distributed water filters and purification supplies to 1,200 families and handed dignity kits to 200 women and girls. Hygiene promotion messages reached more than 2,000 people, reinforcing safe‑water practices in areas where broken infrastructure and poor sanitation continue to fuel preventable illness. These emergency provisions are critical while permanent water points remain non‑functional and health facilities stay closed.
Access constraints and funding appeal
UNICEF warns that the volatile security situation in northern Jonglei hampers the consistent delivery of life‑saving services and raises the risk of family separation, gender‑based violence and child recruitment. The agency is urging donors and partners to secure safe, predictable and sustained humanitarian access, to end grave violations against children, and to maintain flexible financing that can pre‑position supplies and deploy multidisciplinary teams quickly when corridors reopen. Continued support for the Rapid Response Mechanism and other emergency activities is essential to prevent supply gaps in therapeutic food, medicines and clean water.