The MFA’s Directorate General for Development Cooperation approved an emergency contribution of one million euro to UNICEF for healthcare and nutritional assistance on behalf of the communities struck by the serious humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, with special attention to women and children. The contribution follows upon Italy’s pledge during the South Sudan Donors Conference held on 20 May in Oslo
The UNICEF project
The 12-month UNICEF project centred on approximately 270,000 internally displaced persons and members of their host communities in the Upper Nile, Unity and Jonglei States (sites of the principal clashes), who account for 57% of a population at high food security risk. The Italian contribution will mainly be used in the sectors of nutrition and mother-infant care. Activities in the nutrition sector will support the community management of therapies for malnutrition in pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.
The ”Infant and Young Child Feeding” programme
An “Infant and Young Child Feeding” programme will be developed for the nutrition of children up to the age of 3 and of pregnant and breastfeeding women. The healthcare sector activities will include immunisation to prevent the spread of childhood diseases and basic obstetrics assistance. Finally, in light of the recent outbreak of cholera, oral vaccinations will be carried out to supplement interventions in the areas of water and hygiene.
