The government of Japan has pledged 3.2 million USD for essential food assistance and school meals throughout South Sudan.
Currently, around 7.7 million individuals in South Sudan are experiencing severe food insecurity, and 2.3 million children are at risk of malnutrition as the nation contends with natural disasters like floods, along with conflict and displacement.
As stated in a press announcement from the World Food Programme, this funding will enable over 14,000 individuals, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and returnees from Sudan, to access food for at least six months, while also supporting improvements in school enrollment.
Mary-Ellen McGroarty, the WFP Country Director in South Sudan, emphasizes that this donation will enhance the living conditions of at-risk populations and boost school attendance, ensuring children remain in education.
“It will allow us to deliver lifesaving food assistance to the most vulnerable communities, while school meals will continue to offer children a vital lifeline—keeping them in school and helping to build hope for a brighter future,” says McGroarty.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) played a significant role in global humanitarian efforts. On January 20, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order that stopped funding for USAID.
A report published by THE LANCET published on June 30, 2025, indicates that USAID funding cuts in funding will worsen the humanitarian situation and could lead to an increase adult and child mortalities by 2030.
In February 2025, the WFP distributed 7,885 metric tons of food and provided 1.3 million USD in cash transfers to assist 705,000 individuals. The total number of those helped between January and February 2025 was 881,000.
However, due to the ongoing influx of refugees and returnees from Sudan, funding has become constrained, complicating the ability to meet basic needs such as water, health care, nutrition, and hygiene and sanitation.
The UN agency is requesting 396 million USD to deliver critical humanitarian assistance to those displaced and affected by the crisis.
