Japan donates $6.5 million to fight food insecurity in S. Sudan

April 19, 20201 (JUBA) – The Japanese government has donated $6.5 million to help World Food Programme (WFP) fight food insecurity in South Sudan.

This contribution, WPF said in a statement issued Tuesday, is timely at the start of the lean season when more than 7.2 million people in South Sudan are expected to face acute food shortages.

According to the agency, the latest donation consists of $4.5 million for life-saving food assistance to people who are severely food insecure and $ 2 million to restore livelihoods and enhance resilience.

“It is our sincere wish that Japan’s grant helps save the people from food insecurity accelerated by natural disaster, communal violence and displacement and bring those suffering people back to a normal living environment which is the precondition to pave the way to nation building and economic development in South Sudan,” said the Japanese ambassador to South Sudan, Tsutsumi Naohiro.

The contribution will reportedly also support WFP’s livelihoods and resilience-building programmes, which include creation of community assets like access roads and multi-purpose water points.

These communal assets are geared towards improving families’ access to local markets to sell their produce and purchase food and other essentials, as well as their access to clean water, WFP stated.

“We are grateful to Japan for this timely contribution at a time when food needs are the greatest but funding for humanitarian assistance is dwindling because of the economic impact of COVID-19. This noble gesture demonstrates the government of Japan’s commitment towards alleviating suffering and contributing to peace in South Sudan,” said WFP’s country director, Matthew Hollingworth.

“It is a great boost towards our saving lives and changing lives efforts,” he added.

Japan has supported WFP’s work in South Sudan since 2013, contributing more than $35 million.

(ST)