In its latest update released on Tuesday, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stated that the collapse of services comes amid an ongoing cholera outbreak and a sharp rise in child malnutrition, with more than 263,000 people displaced and many vulnerable children cut off from critical treatment and therapeutic food.
An order to leave Akobo town in Jonglei State was issued on 6th March. Staff from UN agencies and non-governmental organisations have left the town, and civilians have fled.
“An estimated 100,000 people have crossed the border into Ethiopia, and others have moved to safer areas in Jonglei and Upper Nile states. All those receiving treatment in Akobo hospital – previously a haven for the sick and injured – have left.”
Reports confirm that the hospital has been looted and is now closed.
UNICEF has confirmed reports that 28 health and nutrition facilities in Jonglei have been destroyed, looted, or suspended since 1st January, with many health and nutrition supplies taken.
“This occurs against the backdrop of a continuing cholera outbreak, with 149 cases and 19 deaths in Ayod and rising cases in Duk and Uror counties (12th March 2026).”
It added that on 1st January 2026, over 6,000 children were being treated for acute malnutrition across Jonglei State, a 60 per cent increase from 2025.
“Since then, armed clashes have displaced more than 263,000 people, leaving many malnourished children without access to services or therapeutic food.
Recent assessments in areas with displaced families revealed that a quarter of all children under five years were suffering from acute malnutrition, well above the 15% emergency threshold. Seven per cent of the children assessed had severe acute malnutrition, the severest form for children.”
It noted that looting of supplies has increased across the country. Since January, UNICEF has recorded 17 incidents in Warrap, Upper Nile, Unity, and Jonglei states, with over 80% occurring in Jonglei.
“As well as infrastructure being damaged and vandalised, critical health, nutrition, and water purification and sanitation supplies were taken.”
It is confirmed that UNICEF and partners continue to scale up lifesaving interventions across health, nutrition, water and sanitation, and child protection to support affected communities – a total of 220 metric tonnes of lifesaving supplies have been dispatched to sites across Jonglei since January 2026. Access remains a challenge in some areas.
