Humanitarian Relief and Development for Children

Save the Children has been working in Southern Sudan since 2000. Southern Sudan was the scene of Africa's longest running civil war, which took the lives of an estimated 1.5 million Sudanese people and forced 4 million more from their homes. The wreckage of war has been made worse by natural disasters, civil and tribal conflicts and political instability.

• Challenges for Children
• Emergency Relief and Recovery
• Impact and Results
• A Promise Kept: Hope for Students
• Support the Sudan Children in Crisis Fund

Challenges for Children in Southern Sudan

Southern Sudan has the highest infant-mortality rates and the lowest education indicators in the world. Children who were forced to serve as child soldiers and children orphaned by the war have severe emotional and psycho-social needs.

The repeated blows to the infrastructure and institutions have created extremely limited basic and necessary services. School attendance rates are among the lowest globally, especially among girls. Most families go without basic health care. There is little access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, fostering the spread of infectious diseases.

Emergency Relief, Independence and Political Crisis

Humanitarian concerns persist in the wake of South Sudan's independence for thousands of vulnerable families and the border town of Abyei remains a flashpoint.

In response, Save the Children is sustaining its lifesaving and life-changing programs for South Sudanese children. Our relief workers are supporting the distribution of vital food, mosquito nets, shelter and other critical humanitarian aid. Learn more and find out how you can help.

Impact and Results

As health is the first step towards recovery, Save the Children manages 61 primary health care facilities with local partners. Our centers treat children with diarrhea, malaria and respiratory infections – which untreated can be life-threatening. In 2010, more than 111,000 children received health treatment at the facilities.

Maternal health is supported through prenatal care, labor and delivery services and postnatal care services. We also offer preventive and public health programs including immunizations, mosquito nets, education, hygiene and sanitation.

As South Sudan’s refugees return from countries with high rates of HIV/AIDS infection, there is the potential for a spike in Sudan's relatively low HIV infection rate. Save the Children has worked with local partners to make voluntary counseling and testing available at health centers.

Child protection efforts includes training, education and services. In 2010, we helped reunite 150 children who were separated by conflict from their families, including some who were forced to be child soldiers. These young survivors now have access to social protection and livelihoods.

Save the Children is also improving the quality of education by training teachers and tutors, as well as by making sure schools have latrines, clean water and teaching materials. In 2010, over 155,000 children were provided quality education in schools supported by Save the Children, up 88% from 2009.

Last Updated on October 2011

External Sources: CIA World Factbook, World Bank, UNDP