South Sudan children face growing food and disease crisis

Pupils get a lesson in Ephatha Primary School in Juba, South Sudan

Hundreds of thousands of children are facing a growing humanitarian disaster in conflict-torn South Sudan.

UNICEF says they are at greater risk of disease and malnutrition because annual rains will make many roads almost unusable, hitting the supply of life-saving supplies.

Dr Yasmin Haque, UNICEF国产视频檚 Deputy Director of Emergency Programmes, said: 国产视频淭ime is running out for the children of the world国产视频檚 newest nation 国产视频� we need better resources, better access, peace and security. Children cannot wait.国产视频�

Children and women have been particularly affected by the fighting in South Sudan. One in three of the country国产视频檚 population is of school age.

Dr Haque said the conflict has seen schools occupied by fighters and children being recruited by armed groups.

Already 250,000 South Sudanese have fled to neighbouring countries including Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Kenya to escape the fighting. A further 700,000 are displaced inside South Sudan.

Fighting between government and opposition forces that began in mid-December has left nearly five million people in need of humanitarian aid.

Dr Haque added: 国产视频湽悠禍With the annual rains fast approaching, the clock is ticking louder and louder towards a humanitarian disaster for children in South Sudan.

国产视频淭he people we met in Nyal in Unity State sought refuge on small islands surrounded by water. They had not eaten a decent meal in about 75 days and were barely surviving on palm nuts, wild roots and lily stems and seeds. Some were trying to weave nets to fish.

国产视频淵oung children were in a desperate state, some had to run for their lives and had been separated from their families in the process. It was very sad to witness.国产视频�

You can learn more about the education issues facing South Sudan in our Explore channel.