The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has contributed $223 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for critical food and nutrition assistance to millions on the brink of starvation in South Sudan, the US said in a statement.

The press release indicated that the funds came from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, $106 million, from its Ukraine Supplemental Fund, and the US Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust, $117 million to deliver immediate support for 2.4 million severely food insecure women, children, and men with lifesaving food and nutrition assistance as well as cash transfers.

“A second contribution from the U.S. Government’s Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust, overseen by USAID, that is due to arrive by the end of 2022 will provide WFP with in-kind food assistance valued at $117 million, enough to feed 1.1 million people. The shipment consists of sorghum, vegetable oil, and nutritious food for infants under five years of age and pregnant or nursing mothers,” it added.

According to UN reports, South Sudan is witnessing its worst food crisis since independence in 2011 due to continuing conflict, four years of persistent floods, 18 months of localised drought, and the impact of a global food and fuel crisis exacerbated by Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine.

WFP Acting Country Director Adeyinka Badejo said: “This lifesaving contribution demonstrates the U.S. Government’s strong commitment to the people of South Sudan. We have recently seen a dramatic increase in hunger across the country. With these new resources, WFP will be able to avert a worsening situation for the population.”

“The United States has stood with the South Sudanese people from the beginning of this country, and even before independence. We continue to urge the Government of South Sudan to address the drivers of subnational violence that contribute to the humanitarian crises our assistance is helping to mitigate,” U.S. Chargé d’Affaires William Flens said.

USAID Acting Mission Director Mark Anthony White said, “The United States supports the people of South Sudan in their quest for lasting peace, stability, and democracy. This contribution will improve the quality of life of South Sudanese toward a brighter future.”

The United States has been the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance to the people of South Sudan for more than 25 years. This assistance includes approximately USD $1 billion in 2022 alone for humanitarian aid and development assistance, support to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and additional assistance in coordination with partners through the World Bank and other international financial institutions.

Source: Radio Tamazuj