In brief
Recent reports indicate that cuts in U.S. foreign aid have led to tragic fatalities among children seeking cholera treatment as they struggle to reach the nearest health facilities.
In South Sudan, the humanitarian crisis is worsening as significant reductions in U.S. foreign aid have left many health facilities unable to operate at full capacity during the country’s most severe cholera outbreak in decades. According to the charity Save the Children, at least five children and three adults tragically lost their lives after embarking on a challenging three-hour journey in extreme heat to seek treatment.The aid cuts initiated by the Trump administration in January 2025 forced seven out of 27 health centers supported by Save the Children in Akobo County to shut down completely, while an additional 20 facilities have had to partially suspend operations. Many clinics now rely solely on volunteer healthcare workers and lack the essential resources for patient transport.Christopher Nyamandi, Save the Children’s country director in South Sudan, has highlighted the dire conditions at local health clinics. During his visit, he observed tents meant to accommodate 25 individuals being overcrowded with hundreds, forcing many to sleep outside amidst the relentless heat and increased mosquito exposure. This dire situation has made treatment for cholera even more complicated.Healthcare workers are faced with heart-wrenching scenarios where they must shield children from the harsh realities of mortality amongst the sick. The challenges of managing the overwhelming number of cases have reached critical levels, leading Save the Children to call for immediate intervention to restore much-needed aid and maintain essential health services in the country.As standard health services continue to dwindle, the children and families in South Sudan face an uphill battle against cholera, malnutrition, and the ongoing struggles of a nation grappling with war and deprivation.
