U.S. Government Donates $30 Million to WFP's Emergency Operation in South Sudan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2012
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov
JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN - The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced it will provide emergency relief to assist conflict-affected and food-insecure people in South Sudan. The $30 million contribution will be delivered through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The assistance is in response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in South Sudan, where an estimated one million people are severely food-insecure due to a cereal deficit, high food prices and intercommunal conflict.
"This generous contribution from the U.S. Government comes at a critical time when WFP is expanding its operation to respond to growing humanitarian needs," said Chris Nikoi, WFP's country director for South Sudan. "At the same time, we are preparing for the rapidly approaching rainy season, so we are extremely grateful to receive this crucial support."
Due to South Sudan's poor road network, about 60 percent of the country will become inaccessible during the rainy season. This contribution helps WFP complete prepositioning of much-needed commodities across South Sudan, where roads will soon become impassable.
"This contribution from the American people is part of the U.S. Government's continuing support for the most vulnerable people in South Sudan, who are some of the most in need of food assistance to sustain them as they work to rebuild their lives," said USAID/South Sudan Mission Director Kevin Mullally.
The U.S. Government is the largest supporter of WFP's operation in South Sudan, and including this donation, has contributed more than $110 million in 2012 to WFP's emergency operation in the country.
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The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.
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