Biden donates $35 million to UN Children Funds to tackle malnutrition in South Sudan

JUBA – The United States of America on Tuesday donated 35 million U.S dollars to UN Children’s Fund to help South Sudan tackle malnutrition.

The contribution announced on Tuesday by U.S Embassy in Juba will be used to treat about 1 .4 million children expected to suffer from acute malnutrition in 2022.

Kate Crawford, USAID South Sudan Mission Director said the USAID has provided additional support as South Sudan faces the highest levels of malnutrition among children on record, with 1.4 million children expected to suffer from acute malnutrition in 2022.

“Addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in South Sudan is critical, and we are acutely aware of the need in providing these supplies to treat malnourished children,” Crawford said in a statement extended to Sudans Post on Tuesday.

Crawford disclosed that the number of children suffering from malnutrition has increased by 30 percent this year compared to 2021.

He added that funds will be used to provide over 350,000 cartons of RUTF to treat more than 350,000 children across South Sudan in 2022 and 2023.

“The U.S. Government is pleased to continue to support the ongoing response to malnutrition and ensure the health and well-being of children across South Sudan.”

Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF South Sudan Representative disclosed that the cartons of therapeutic food will be dispatched to more than 1,300 nutrition centers where UNICEF and partners are screening children for malnutrition and providing therapeutic assistance to those in need.

“UNICEF has already treated almost 150,000 children for acute malnutrition in 2022,” said Lasseko.

Lasseko said no child should have to suffer from malnutrition as UNICEF recognizes the need to increase focus on the prevention of malnutrition among children.

“With this vital support, UNICEF and partners can ensure continued screening and treatment of children across the country and we are grateful to the United States for this support,” said Lasseko.

The funding from USAID will benefit more than one million mothers, fathers, and caregivers of children below 24 months through maternal, infant, and young child nutrition counseling services, giving them the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent their children from falling into malnutrition.