JUBA, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Monday called for safe, predictable and sustained humanitarian access to conflict-affected communities in South Sudan.
In a statement issued in Juba, UNICEF said it and its partners had restored life-saving aid to conflict-isolated communities in Wiechjol and Waat in Jonglei State.
The joint operation provided critical support to vulnerable families, many of whom had been cut off from humanitarian assistance for months.
"For many families, this was the first help they had seen in months. But what we found shows how much more is needed, and how quickly conditions can deteriorate if access continues to be constrained in these areas," said Noala Skinner, UNICEF representative to South Sudan.
According to UNICEF, escalating conflict, mass displacement and unsafe travel routes have severely disrupted services across the region since January.
It said unrest had forced health facilities to close, leaving families without reliable access to healthcare, clean water, protection and nutrition support.
Through its Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM), UNICEF delivered more than eight tonnes of essential supplies to support vulnerable communities.
According to the UN agency, key results of the humanitarian response included screening 1,666 children under five for acute malnutrition, admitting 146 severe cases for life-saving treatment, referring 602 moderate cases for follow-up care, and counseling 331 caregivers on child feeding practices.
Some 1,241 patients, including 250 young children, received primary healthcare consultations and treatment for common conditions such as malaria, respiratory infections, diarrhea, and skin diseases.
To strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene, 1,200 households received water filters and purification supplies, 200 women and girls received dignity kits, and more than 2,000 people were reached with hygiene and disease prevention messages.
"Access challenges in Jonglei State have left the lives of mothers and their children hanging in the balance. The RRM missions are important, but operating conditions in northern Jonglei remain challenging," Skinner said.
UNICEF called for an end to grave violations against children, including their recruitment and use by armed forces and groups.
The agency urged increased investment in protection services for women and children to prevent gender-based violence, child abductions, and other protection risks.
UNICEF also called for continued support for emergency response initiatives such as the RRM to prevent supply chain disruptions involving life-saving items, including therapeutic food, medicines, and clean water.
The UN agency emphasized the need for sustained partnerships and flexible humanitarian financing. ■