US pledges more than $16m for humanitarian assistance in S. Sudan

April 23, 2015 (JUBA) – The United States has earmarked over $16 million in new humanitarian assistance for nutrition, shelter, water and health services for people suffering from the effects of the South Sudan conflict that began in December 2013.

This assistance, the US embassy in the country said in a statement, underscores Washington’s long-standing commitment to the people of South Sudan.

“With this additional pledge, U S emergency assistance now exceeds $1 billion,” partly reads the statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Thursday.

Since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, USAID has reportedly invested an additional $700 million in long-term assistance helping South Sudanese in areas such as education, health, democracy and governance, agriculture and conflict mitigation.

According to the USAID-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network, nearly three million people currently face extreme hunger in South Sudan, and that this number will reach 3.5 million by June.

“The new funding will address urgent nutrition needs for children and provide vital health care to those suffering from acute hunger as a result of the conflict. It will also provide much-needed shelter and health services, and water, sanitation and hygiene assistance,” the statement from the US embassy in South Sudan said.

Over the years, USAID has supported South Sudan in the health, education and agriculture sectors among other critical areas.

(ST)