South Sudan

Families and children in South Sudan’s eastern Jonglei state are surviving on leaves and water lilies as hunger surges towards famine levels in parts of the country following three months of escalating violence.

For nearly two decades, Ajoba* has stood at the frontlines of care in Abyei, quietly protecting generations of children from deadly but preventable diseases.A vaccinator for over 19 years with the State Ministry of Health, and now working with Save the Children, Ajoba has dedicated her life to one simple but powerful mission: keeping every child and mother safe through vaccination and health care.

Raja’s story highlights how timely support can transform the lives of vulnerable girls facing child marriage, early pregnancy, and gender-based violence in Mangalla. Forced out of school at 15, she regained hope after receiving psychosocial care, family counselling, and coordinated health support, enabling her to safely deliver her baby and return to education.