South Sudan is the newest of the United Nations.  It is a neglected sub-Saharan African state.  Since attaining independence in 2011, the humanitarian situation in South Sudan has remained dire.  Due in part to continuing conflict in neighboring Sudan, growing numbers of refugees require assistance.  High levels of food insecurity, elevated prevalence of diseases, and poor hygiene and health services are driving acute pediatric malnutrition.

Changing regional climate patterns have also caused erratic rainfall, affecting crop production and worsening disease outbreaks. Large areas of South Sudan have recently become submerged year-round, with flooding occurring in normally dry regions.  At other times, the country suffers severe drought.

These climate changes, together with recurrent outbreaks of violence, persistent underlying poverty, and a lack of basic infrastructure and services, have created a complex humanitarian crisis.  Virtually no paved roads exist outside of the capital, Juba.  As a result, progress within the world’s youngest nation has been stymied.

The nation’s health system, heavily reliant on international aid, faces staffing and resource shortages. Vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities have limited access to health care and face heightened risks of illness and mortality.