JUBA, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) on Friday secured 33.4 million U.S. dollars to assist tens of thousands of people affected by the worsening food insecurity and nutrition crisis across South Sudan.
In a statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, the agency said these initiatives include cash start-up funds, training for income-generation activities, and support for establishing village savings and loan associations.
"While lasting peace and national government investments are the foundations for ending hunger, this funding will significantly enhance ongoing efforts to assist those in need at a very critical time of the year," said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP country director in South Sudan.
According to the WFP, the funding is timely, as about 7.56 million people are projected to face acute levels of food insecurity at the height of the lean season between April and July 2026.
The UN agency noted conflict, displacement, climatic shocks, low agricultural productivity, and economic challenges as primary drivers to food insecurity in South Sudan.
In South Sudan, malnutrition is currently affecting 2.1 million children under five as well as more than 1 million pregnant and breastfeeding women, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report.
