Nairobi, Jan 14
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) Monday launched a three-month operation to scale up humanitarian assistance to South Sudanese affected by the crisis, Xinhua reported.
WFP's East and Central Africa Regional Director Valerie Guarnieri said the $57.8 million aid will be provided to about 400,000 internally displaced people, including specialised nutritional support for new mothers and young children who are most at risk from a disruption in their food supply.
"But while we and our partners are reaching more people every day, we still face difficulties accessing some areas, and the looting of food and other assets from a number of our compounds and warehouses around the country," Guarnieri was quoted as saying in a statement.
The humanitarian situation in South Sudan has deteriorated rapidly since fighting broke out in mid-December, causing not only the loss of life and displacement, but also disrupting agricultural development and humanitarian activities crucial to the survival and future livelihoods of millions.
According to UN, the impacts on diversified livelihoods in four of South Sudan's 10 states are generating an alarming risk of food insecurity and malnutrition.
By:IANS