The United States has announced an additional $80m dollars in humanitarian assistance to people in conflict affected areas in South Sudan.

The US State of Department says the fund will also be used to provide aid to South Sudanese refugees in the region.

In a statement, it says the additional funding will allow partners to address urgent needs and prevent the spread of diseases.

This will be done by providing emergency health services, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education.

Aid partners will also use it to support vulnerable people in meeting nutritional and other basic needs through agriculture and other livelihood activities.

The latest announcement brings the total U.S. assistance to South Sudan to $1.3 billion since the start of the conflict in December 2013.