Liam Neeson visit to South Sudan has highlighted the severe crisis facing children. Moreover, nearly 200 lifesaving nutrition centres have closed.
The 73-year-old actor, known for Taken and Schindler’s List, travelled to South Sudan to witness the impact of global aid cuts firsthand.
Consequently, Unicef reports 2.3 million children face severe malnutrition. Alarmingly, almost half could die without urgent treatment.
Neeson, a Unicef goodwill ambassador, said: “I visited the main hospital in Juba and saw too many malnourished children.”
He added that children who should be playing are quiet and withdrawn. Therefore, he asked what will happen as centres close.
Funding cuts have caused malnutrition to rise by 10.5 percent compared to last year. As a result, mothers and young children remain extremely vulnerable.
“Children shouldn’t have to fend for themselves,” Neeson said. “We either act now or risk losing their future entirely.”
During his six-day trip, Neeson met Ajier, the mother of seven-month-old Lual Malek. Her child gained weight after three weeks in a nutrition programme.
“It’s clear these programmes save lives,” he said. Furthermore, volunteer mothers in villages help identify children in urgent need.
Neeson also visited Atlabara West Primary School in Juba. There, he met students affected by violence, poverty, and child marriage.
He met Alaak Kuku, a former gang member. Kuku founded the Young Dreamers Sports Academy, which supports 2,000 children each week.
“I was impressed by Kuku,” Neeson said. “He shows how young people can succeed with support and opportunity, even under hardship.”
Unicef’s country representative, Noala Skinner, said Neeson’s visit comes at a critical time. Indeed, aid cuts have reduced essential services for children.
“Now more than ever, we need sustained investment for children,” she said. Otherwise, every child will risk missing vital help.
Neeson’s visit underscores the urgent need for global support. Without action, South Sudan’s children face malnutrition, violence, and lost opportunities.
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