UNICEF in South Sudan
Conflict, political instability and the increasingly devastating effects of climate change have left millions of children in the world's youngest country in urgent need of humanitarian support. UNICEF is there. Learn more, including how to help.
Multiple crises threatening children in South Sudan
The world's youngest nation, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, only for civil conflict to erupt in 2013. Sporadic violence continues, despite a peace agreement signed in 2018 that installed a transitional government.
Seasonal flooding has grown increasingly severe due to climate change, disrupting lives and perpetuating widespread food insecurity and child malnutrition.
More than one-third of the population of South Sudan (39 percent) lacks sufficient access to safe water. Outbreaks of preventable diseases are common, and 1 in 10 children do not survive past their 5th birthday.
Political instability, combined with weak social services and infrastructure, fuel inter-communal strife over resources. More than half of all girls are married before age 18.
Brutal conflict in neighboring Sudan has only intensified needs in South Sudan as the country absorbs hundreds of thousands of war refugees. Neighboring countries are also dealing with multiple humanitarian crises, including the Central African Republic to the west and Ethiopia to the east.
The number of children in South Sudan who are in urgent need of support and protection has steadily increased year by year, and UNICEF has had to do more with less as humanitarian aid funding has continued to decline. An estimated 9 million people require assistance.
UNICEF remains committed to supporting the Government of National Unity in prioritizing and delivering short- and long-term social services. In doing so, UNICEF looks to complement government efforts to provide humanitarian support to those most impacted by ongoing crises and development efforts.
What UNICEF is doing to help children in South Sudan
UNICEF’s work in South Sudan is rooted in a passion for and commitment to children’s rights and conducted in partnership with the government, line ministries, partners and children and young people.
Focus areas continue to be health system strengthening, access to education, child protection, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and nutrition.
UNICEF-supported programs and interventions include:
- routine immunization to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases
- malnutrition screenings and treatment
- nutrition counseling for caregivers
- Vitamin A supplementation
- community-based mental health and psychosocial support
- gender-based violence risk mitigation, prevention and response
- ending the harmful practice of child marriage
Ensuring access to quality education for every child
UNICEF is also committed to working with its partners in South Sudan to improve access to safe, inclusive and quality education for every child, by renovating schools and building new ones, and supporting teachers with training and teaching materials, including textbooks for students.
Schools are not just for learning; when children attend school, they are better protected from violence, exploitation and abuse. For refugee and displaced children, classroom routines provide stability and a sense of normalcy.
Tackling South Sudan's water crisis
Other program work focuses on improving access to safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene; improving sanitation to prevent cholera and other waterborne diseases; and supporting the development of sustainable sources of safe water.
These efforts also include upgrading water systems to run on solar energy.
On the ground in South Sudan
Samuel Patti, an immunization specialist, speaks to his experience working with UNICEF South Sudan to improve the lives of children and their families. Watch the video:
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save and protect the most vulnerable children. Learn more about what UNICEF does to ensure that every child can grow up healthy, educated, protected and respected.