Child malnutrition in Yei River County has reached alarming levels because of a lack of food, health officials told Radio Tamazuj.

It is a direct cause of fighting between government and opposition forces in the area, health officials say.

Bara Moses said there are nearly 200 children who are weak and suffering from a food shortage.

“We expect more children for the months of August and September because the habit of feeding is deteriorating. Especially with the current insecurity crisis in Yei where access to locally produced food has become a big challenge,” Moses told Radio Tamazuj.

He attributed the rise of malnutrition to a lack of nutritious foods and the economic crisis. Moses said that parents don’t have enough food, and children become sick. The health department says it's providing cereals for some of the children.

“Things are very expensive and I cannot afford to buy what is recommended to feed my family including my children,” said Margret Apayi a mother in the region who struggles to find food.

“Today I have been forced to come to the hospital because the health conditions of my two children are worsening,” she said. “As you can see for yourself, they are weak, brown hair and swollen stomach and I am currently very disappointed.”

File photo: A child is tested for malnutrition in Unity State, 2016