The government of Japan has donated $6.5 million to bankroll the programs that will alleviate hunger in South Sudan through the World Food Program (WFP).
The food aid agency revealed the money will be split into two to support the hunger control programs. $4.5 million will be channelled towards ‘life-saving food assistance’ of the people while the remaining $2 million will be used in ‘restoring livelihood and resilience.’
‘‘The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a contribution of US$6.5 million from the Government of Japan. This contribution 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,’’ WFP noted over the issue.
The program will target 115,000 people living in states like Jonglei, Warrap, Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Lakes States. These are people who have either been displaced or afflicted as a result of war, loss of livelihood through cattle theft, flooding and waves of insecurity.
“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 Tsutsumi Naohiro, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of South Sudan.
The Country Director of WFP, Matthew Hollingworth lauded the move- terming it a show of commitment towards supporting peace initiative in the country.
“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,” he said.
The aid comes after US also supported a similar program through a donation of US$95 million.
