Japan contributes USD 2.2 million boost to support WFP effort to tackle malnutrition in South Sudan

The contribution comes at a critical time as South Sudan faces one of the world's most severe hunger and nutrition crises. More than 7.8 million people face acute food insecurity, while 2.2 million children under the age of five and 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are acutely malnourished.

Through this contribution, WFP will provide critical nutrition assistance to more than 38,000 vulnerable women and children in some of South Sudan's hardest-hit communities. The support includes treatment for 14,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls suffering from acute malnutrition and preventive nutrition assistance for more than 24,000 mothers and young children. 

WFP will also procure and distribute 472 metric tons of Super Cereal Plus, a specialized nutritious food used to prevent and treat malnutrition among women and children. The assistance will be used in areas where malnutrition has reached critical levels, including Greater Jonglei, Upper Nile, Unity, Warrap and selected counties in Greater Bahr el Ghazal.

“The Government of Japan highly values the partnership with WFP in addressing urgent humanitarian needs in South Sudan. As a part of Japan's longstanding commitment to support the people of South Sudan, this timely intervention comes at a critical moment when millions face severe hunger and malnutrition”, said Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to the Republic of South Sudan, Mr Hiromoto Oyama. “Japan stands with the most vulnerable, especially women and children by helping to save lives, averting a worsening nutrition crisis, and contributing to a healthier and more resilient future of South Sudan.”

“At a time when millions in South Sudan face severe hunger and our resources are stretched to the absolute limit, Japan’s critical support is a lifeline of hope,” said Mutinta Chimuka, WFP’s Country Director in South Sudan. “We are grateful to the Government and people of Japan for their unwavering solidarity and enduring partnership when it is needed most.”

The funding will help WFP maintain critical nutrition services at a time when humanitarian funding shortfalls are forcing reductions in assistance across South Sudan. Without sustained support, vulnerable women and children face an increased risk of severe malnutrition and related health complications

Japan is a long-standing partner of WFP’s providing support to address both humanitarian and long-term needs targeting the root causes of hunger. The latest contribution brings Japan’s total funding to WFP’s activities in South Sudan to more than US$37.7 million since 2021.

#                 #                  #

About WFP 

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_SouthSudan, @wfp_media, Instagram, LinkedIn