Children survive on leaves, water lilies as hunger deepens in Jonglei – Save the Children

Children in South Sudan's Jonglei State are resorting to eating leaves and water lilies due to severe hunger, according to Save the Children. Escalating violence and flooding have disrupted humanitarian aid, leaving thousands of families isolated and struggling to find food. Mothers are undertaking arduous journeys to find edible plants, and some communities are consuming seeds intended for planting. The crisis is forcing children out of school due to weakness from malnutrition, and some are being pushed into child labor or early marriage as families seek survival strategies.

Aid organizations have suspended operations in affected areas like Akobo and Walgak following security incidents, including looting and damage to facilities. This exacerbates the situation, as these regions are identified as being at high risk of famine. The broader context in South Sudan indicates widespread acute food insecurity affecting millions, with a significant number of young children requiring treatment for acute malnutrition.

This situation highlights a critical humanitarian crisis where basic survival needs are unmet, underscoring the urgent need for security and aid to prevent widespread famine and protect vulnerable populations, especially children.