More than 450,000 children are at risk of acute malnutrition as the hostilities are causing mass displacement and halting of critical health and nutrition services in Jonglei state, warned UNICEF in South Sudan. 

An upsurge in violent clashes in Jonglei since the beginning of 2026 has reportedly left at least 250,000[i] people displaced, especially in the north and centre of the state.

“We are extremely concerned for women and children impacted by these violent clashes. We know that these areas have some of the highest levels of child malnutrition, and we know that a malnourished child without treatment is 12 times more likely to die,” said UNICEF Country Representative Noala Skinner. “We are urgently calling for all parties to cease the violence and grant rapid, unimpeded, safe access for humanitarian aid and workers to reach highly vulnerable, displaced groups,”