UN agency seeks $34.8 million to assist South Sudanese children

JUBA – The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said Monday that it is seeking $34.8 million to assist South Sudanese children amid a worsening humanitarian situation in South Sudan.

A new report released by UNICEF in Juba said better life for South Sudan children has been dashed by intermittent violence and conflict, recurring floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events fueled by climate change and a deepening economic crisis.

The report says that these conditions have led to extremely high food insecurity, and one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF Representative said US 34.8 million is needed for the next 3 months to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.

“UNICEF is appealing for urgent funding. The humanitarian action for children (HAC) for 2022 has only received 20% of the US 183.6 million it needs, and US 34.8 million is needed for the next 3 months to avert a humanitarian catastrophe,” Lasseko said in a statement extended to Sudans Post.

Lasseko said the humanitarian situation for children was already a huge challenge.

“With the pandemic and new pressures from global events impacting the supply of basic commodities, increasing prices, and disrupting supply chains, we are seeing this situation get worse and our ability to respond facing further pressure.”

An estimated 1.4 million children are projected to suffer from malnutrition and about 300,000 required lifesaving treatments from severe wasting in 2022.

Lasseko said that this puts more than 100,000 children at risk of dying if they do not receive treatment for malnutrition.

“The outlook for the coming months is one of the floods, disease, conflict, and severe malnutrition. UNICEF remains committed to the last mile to militate against the severe impacts of floods and violence,” she said.

“Work to reverse deteriorating trends of malnutrition and disease through package multi-sectorial actions that will save lives whilst building the resilience of affected populations.”

“But we can’t do it without the funding from our current donors and partners and potential new partners. With so many crises soaking up the world’s attention, let us not forget the imminent and potentially catastrophic situation in South Sudan,” she said.