Japan provides funds to support emergency relief work in South Sudan

By

Peter Louis

The Government of Japan has announced a contribution of US$3.2 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support WFP’s lifesaving relief operations in South Sudan, including specialized nutrition treatment for mothers and children and a critical aviation service for humanitarian workers.

“We are alarmed by the food scarcity and malnutrition rates in South Sudan,” said Ambassador of Japan Kiya Masahiko. “Through this contribution, the Government of Japan demonstrates its unwavering commitment to supporting WFP’s unparalleled relief efforts in saving the lives of thousands of women and children amidst the protracted crisis in South Sudan.”

From the Japanese contribution, US$2.4 million will be used for nutrition support under WFP’s emergency response. This will enable WFP to assist more than 28,000 children and 6,660 pregnant women and nursing mothers with vital nutrition supplements. Women and children diagnosed with moderate acute malnutrition will receive specialized fortified foods to treat the condition and help them recover, while mothers and children in particularly food-insecure environments will receive highly nutritious foods to prevent them from becoming malnourished.

“We appreciate this contribution from the government of Japan, which is a sign of its steadfast support for WFP’s efforts to eliminate malnutrition in South Sudan,”said Hakan Falkell, WFP Deputy Country Director in South Sudan. “Young children and women in this country need good nutrition for a healthy and productive life, and Japan’s support will enable WFP to continue its assistance during the challenging times facing South Sudan.”

The remaining Japanese funds – US$800,000 – will go towards the WFP-managed UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), which provides air transport and cargo services for humanitarian workers delivering lifesaving assistance in South Sudan. In 2015, UNHAS served 248 organizations, flying to 77 locations, as well as transporting light relief cargo.

WFP requires an additional US$220 million for food and nutrition operations and another US$16 million to run UNHAS over the next six months in South Sudan.

WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year, WFP assists some 80 million people in around 80 countries.

Peter Louis

Peter Louis works as a freelance Videographer and Journalist in the Republic of South Sudan. He previously worked for Ebony TV, South Sudan Radio and South Sudan TV, Wau.