The World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a US$5 million contribution from the Government of the People’s Republic of China to support its emergency response to the deteriorating food security situation in South Sudan.

A press release issued by WFP said that the contribution will be used to assist people in the conflict-affected states of Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei, where people rely heavily on humanitarian assistance.

“China’s generosity comes at a crucial moment when we must support people who are on the brink of a hunger calamity in remote parts of the conflict-affected states,” said WFP Country Director Joyce Luma. “We are working around the clock with our partners to save lives, and this support from China helps address a critical need.”

According to the statement, WFP will use the funds provided by the Chinese government to purchase cereals, pulses, oil and salt which will help meet immediate food needs of vulnerable people in the states that have been most ravaged by fighting.

The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis estimates that 3.9 million people face acute hunger in South Sudan, the statement said.

These include about 30,000 people who are facing starvation in parts of Unity State that humanitarian agencies have struggled to reach for months.