By: Ginaba Lino
UNICEF and its partners have restored life-saving humanitarian assistance to conflict-isolated communities in Wiechjol, Akobo County, and Waat, Nyirol County, in Jonglei State.
The communities had reportedly gone months without humanitarian assistance due to escalating conflict, displacement and unsafe roads, which disrupted healthcare, nutrition, water and protection services.
Through the Rapid Response Mechanism, UNICEF delivered more than eight tonnes of essential supplies, including therapeutic food, medical items, water treatment and hygiene kits.
Noala Skinner, UNICEF South Sudan Country Representative says one-thousand-six-hundred-and-sixty-six children under five were screened for malnutrition. Out of 146 children with severe acute malnutrition were admitted for treatment, while 602 cases of moderate acute malnutrition were identified and referred for follow-up care.
Skinner adds that more than 1,200 patients also received primary healthcare, including treatment for malaria, respiratory infections and diarrhea.
In addition, 1,200 households received water filters and purification supplies, while more than 2,000 people received hygiene and disease-prevention messages.
The UNICEF South Sudan Country Representative Noala Skinner says conditions remain critical in northern Jonglei.
She says recent surveys recorded global acute malnutrition rates above 40 percent in Akobo West, among the highest in South Sudan.
UNICEF calls for safe humanitarian access, increased protection for women and children, and sustained funding to ensure life-saving assistance reaches communities affected by conflict and displacement.