Headmaster James Okech, right, teaches students at Oyere Primary School in Magwi County, South Sudan, one of 18 primary schools that were rehabilitated with support from UNICEF and partners.

Help Children and Families 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, working with local partners to strengthen the health system, improve access to education, provide child protection, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and nutrition. Learn more, including how to help.

Why UNICEF works in South Sudan

Decades of conflict and instability, climate shocks drive humanitarian priorities

The world's youngest nation, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, only for civil conflict to erupt in 2013. Sporadic violence has continued for years, despite a peace agreement signed in 2018 that installed a transitional government. In 2025, a surge in violence and political tensions has renewed concerns that the country is once again teetering on the edge of catastrophe.

A map showing the location of South Sudan.

At the same time, seasonal flooding has grown increasingly severe due to climate change, disrupting lives, perpetuating widespread food insecurity and inter-communal strife over scarce resources. Malnutrition, displacement, disease outbreaks and high school dropout rates remain major challenges.

Related: UNICEF in Africa

Challenges facing children in South Sudan

UNICEF data indicates that 59 percent of the population lacks access to safe drinking water. Outbreaks of preventable diseases are common, and 1 in 10 children do not survive past their 5th birthday. More than half of all girls are married before age 18.

4 of 5 children in South Sudan face multidimensional poverty

Brutal conflict in neighboring Sudan has only intensified needs in South Sudan as the country absorbs hundreds of thousands of war refugees despite weak health and social service infrastructure. Neighboring countries are also dealing with multiple humanitarian crises, including the Central African Republic to the west and Ethiopia to the east. 

Despite major cuts in humanitarian and development funding, UNICEF emergency response teams remain on the ground in South Sudan, deliver lifesaving assistance and protection, working alongside local partners.

UNICEF remains committed to supporting the Government of National Unity in prioritizing and delivering short- and long-term social services to children in need. In doing so, UNICEF looks to complement government efforts to provide humanitarian support to those most impacted by ongoing crises. 

Refugee families fleeing violence in Sudan by boat reach Renk where UNICEF is providing lifesaving assistance.
Since April 2023, some 800,000 people have fled into South Sudan to escape Sudan's brutal conflict, the majority arriving in Renk, a town in northern South Sudan that is close to the Sudan border. UNICEF is working with the government and other partners to provide lifesaving health, nutrition, water and sanitation, education and protection services to refugee and host community children and families. © UNICEF/UNI631179/Naftalin

How UNICEF is making a difference for children in South Sudan 

UNICEF has had a presence in South Sudan since 1989, operating under a "One Country, Two Areas" program when South Sudan was still part of Sudan. The current country office was established in July 2011 upon South Sudan gaining its independence. 

UNICEF’s work in South Sudan is rooted in a passion for and commitment to children’s rights. It is conducted in partnership with the government, line ministries, partners and children and young people. Focus areas and priorities include strengthening the health system, improving access to education, and providing child protection, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and nutrition.

Child is checked for malnutrition at the UNICEF-supported nutrition clinic in Juba, South Sudan.
A health worker screens a child for malnutrition using a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) tape at a UNICEF-supported nutrition clinic and health care center in Juba, South Sudan. Children suffering from acute malnutrition are admitted for treatment with ready-to-use therapeutic food. © UNICEF/UNI632017/Naftalin

Here is a look at UNICEF-supported programs and interventions in South Sudan.

Health and nutrition programs

A major priority for UNICEF in South Sudan is to support routine immunization to protect children from vaccine-preventable disease and screening and treating children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, including in conflict areas.

UNICEF also works with local partners to provide nutrition counseling for caregivers. 

Improving access to education

UNICEF is 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.

UNICEF establishes safe learning spaces in displacement camps and provides school supplies and teacher training. Mobile classrooms also help ensure access to education.

Students at a school in Renk, north South Sudan, learn with UNICEF support.
Students share a moment outside a UNICEF-supported school in Renk, a town in northern South Sudan where hundreds of thousands of refugees from Sudan have fled to escape the ongoing civil war. UNICEF works with partners in communities across South Sudan to ensure schools are safe and inclusive and promote quality learning, where girls who are risk of early marriage and other forms of exploitation and abuse are protected and where refugee children feel welcome. © UNICEF/UNI646898/Naftalin

Protecting vulnerable children

UNICEF has a long history of reuniting separated families and providing psychosocial support for survivors of violence. UNICEF also works to prevent recruitment of children into armed groups and to end the harmful practice of child marriage.

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) efforts

Alongside local partners, UNICEF is rehabilitating wells and installing water points to improve access to safe water. Hygiene education programs focus on preventing cholera outbreaks.

UNICEF is also supporting the development of sustainable sources of safe water, which includes upgrading water systems to run on solar energy.

A girl in South Sudan collects water from a new solar-powered system installed by UNICEF.
Queen, 5, in Yambio, South Sudan, collects water from a new system UNICEF helped install that includes a solar-powered submersible pump. © UNICEF/UN0372916/Naftalin

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:

How to help children in South Sudan

There are many ways to support children:

  • donate monthly to provide ongoing support
  • fundraise or share content about UNICEF USA and the mission on social media
  • explore corporate partnerships and legacy giving options
     

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is UNICEF working in South Sudan?

UNICEF works in South Sudan to provide lifesaving support to children and families affected by conflict, food insecurity and limited access to health and education.

What types of aid does UNICEF provide in South Sudan?

UNICEF delivers food, clean water, vaccinations, education and protection services to vulnerable populations in South Sudan.

How can I help children in South Sudan?

You can help by donating to UNICEF USA, starting a fundraiser, or spreading awareness of our work.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes, donations to UNICEF USA are tax-deductible in the United States.