In a heartbreaking tragedy in South Sudan, eight people—including five children—died during a three-hour walk in scorching heat to reach medical help for cholera treatment. The incident happened after several local health facilities were forced to shut down due to foreign aid cuts by the U.S. government, led by President Donald Trump.
The victims were attempting to reach treatment in Jonglei State, where Save the Children, a UK-based charity, says U.S. funding cuts have had immediate and deadly consequences.
What Caused the Deaths?
The group was walking in nearly 40°C (104°F) heat after local clinics had either closed or partially shut down due to a lack of funding. Transport services that used to help patients reach hospitals also stopped operating due to budget cuts. This left cholera sufferers with no choice but to make the long and dangerous journey on foot.
Among those who died, three children were under the age of five.
Why Did the Clinics Shut Down?
The U.S. had previously funded many essential health services in South Sudan through USAID, the U.S. Agency for International Development. However, after taking office, President Trump introduced major cuts, cancelling more than 90% of USAID contracts in the region.
The administration said these cuts were made to align aid programs with the “America First” policy and avoid supporting corrupt political systems.
A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department said that while emergency aid continues, they “cannot ask American taxpayers to fund services that benefit corrupt leaders.” However, the decision has directly impacted ordinary citizens, especially women and children who rely heavily on humanitarian services.
Aid Groups Sound the Alarm
Save the Children, which was supporting 27 health centers in Jonglei State, said it had to shut down seven completely and scale back operations in 20 others. The charity called the deaths “avoidable” and said this situation highlights the real human cost of foreign aid cuts.
“There should be global moral outrage,” said Christopher Nyamandi, Save the Children’s country director in South Sudan. “Decisions made by powerful people in faraway countries have already led to child deaths within weeks.”
South Sudan’s Deepening Crisis
South Sudan is already facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies. Around one-third of the country’s 12 million people have been displaced by war or natural disasters.
A cholera outbreak declared in October 2024 has infected more than 22,000 people and claimed hundreds of lives, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
There are fears that the country is on the verge of another civil war, especially after fighting broke out again in February 2025 in the northeastern region.
Future Funding Looks Grim
Save the Children plans to spend just $30 million in South Sudan in 2025—down from $50 million in 2024—because of overall declines in international donor support.
This funding gap could leave millions without access to basic medical care, clean water, and disease prevention, as cholera, malaria, malnutrition, and other deadly conditions spread.