UNICEF Representative Hamida Lasseko (blue dress and second-left), Minister of Health Yolanda Awel Deng (center) and USAID Mission Director Katherine Crawford (second-right). (Photo: Kafuki Jada/Eye Media).

United States’ development agency – USAID has allocated 35 million dollars to UNICEF for its fight against malnutrition among children across South Sudan.

The funding announced Tuesday, will be used to provide over 350,000 cartons of ready-to-use therapeutic food to treat more than 350,000 children across the country up to next year.

According to the United States Agency for International Development, 1.4 million children are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year.

The figure represents an approximately 30 percent increase in the number of children suffering from wasting compared to 2021.

The additional funding is also expected to benefit more than one million mothers, fathers, and caregivers of children below 24 months.

The assistance will enable UNICEF to give them the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent their children from falling into malnutrition.

In a statement emailed to Eye Radio on Tuesday, USAID South Sudan Mission Director Katherine Crawford said the US government is pleased to support the ongoing response to malnutrition and ensure the health and well-being of children across South Sudan.

“Addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in South Sudan is critical, and we are acutely aware of the needs in providing these supplies to treat malnourished children,” she said in the press release.

Meanwhile, Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF South Sudan Representative said the agency is grateful to the United States for this support.

“With this vital support, UNICEF and partners can ensure continued screening and treatment of children across the country.”