Health

Helping children survive and thrive from the beginning of life

Baby receiving a Polio vaccine
UNICEFSouthSudan/Hill

Challenge

South Sudan is one of the most challenging countries in the world for a child. 

Poor access to health services, a limited number of health workers and lack of access to health services have produced some of the worst health indicators in the world, with a child mortality rate of 78 deaths per 1,000 live births. Around 75 per cent of all child deaths in South Sudan are due to preventable diseases, such as diarrhoea, malaria and pneumonia.

The latest briefing note on the health situation in South Sudan

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UNICEF

Giving birth on the floor, cutting the umbilical cord with a stick. That is the reality for some women in South Sudan

Solution

Ensuring every child has access to health services

UNICEF is educating community health workers to bring services to people living in areas where the nearest clinic is more than five kilometers away. This will significantly increase access to health services and increase resilience. Essential drugs and equipment will be provided to support the treatment of diseases. Through routine immunization and catch-up campaigns, children will be protected from preventable and life-threatening diseases.

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UNICEF

No child is too far. To reach children in the most inaccessible areas in South Sudan we use integrated rapid response missions.

Resources

Cost of Inaction

A deepening crisis for children

View the appeal

COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness

Providing health care for some of the most vulnerable people in South Sudan

See the full report

Mid-term Evaluation of Boma Health Initiative (BHI)

Enhancing and strengthening the health structure in South Sudan

See the full report

Health briefing note

UNICEF South Sudan

Get the document