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JUBA/NAIROBI. — The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has said it requires $74 million for the next six months to meet the needs of all the South Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda.
In a report received in Juba on Sunday, WFP said food stocks were being stretched and that immediate funds were required in particular for refugees in Sudan and Uganda.
“In addition to providing food assistance inside South Sudan, WFP provides food assistance for refugees at border crossings, during transit, at reception centres and upon settlement in the camps,” the report said.
The report said that despite recent political progress in South Sudan, a deteriorating food and nutrition situation, economic decline and sporadic violence were continuing to significantly impact humanitarian needs within the country.
“The deteriorating economic conditions, coupled with rising prices of essential commodities, is contributing to rising criminality in most parts of the country,” it said.
WFP added the economic decline and high inflation combined with disrupted harvests and livelihoods continued to worsen the food security situation.”
WFP says it is scaling up its efforts to reach food insecure households.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has urged African countries to increase investment in family planning to benefit girls and women.
UNFPA Executive Director, Babatunde Osotimehin, told Xinhua on Sunday that the largest burden of unmet family planning needs globally was in Africa. — Xinhua.
Online Reporter