JUBA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South Sudan's capital, Juba, have welcomed ongoing Chinese food aid distributions, which are providing critical relief to thousands affected by conflict and economic hardship.
For many beneficiaries, the aid has arrived at a critical moment, as soaring prices and the rising cost of living continue to deepen hunger in the world's youngest nation.
"I appreciate the government of South Sudan and the Chinese government for their unwavering support to our families," Flora Kuwa David, a displaced mother from Mundri East, told Xinhua.
She said the food assistance would help her provide at least one meal a day for her family, something she has struggled to manage recently due to financial constraints.
Kuwa, who lost her parents during the conflict, now supports her household on a daily income of about 15,000 South Sudanese pounds (about 115 U.S. dollars), which she said is not enough to cover food and school fees. "This food support means a lot to us," she added.
The South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission on Thursday began distributing a consignment of rice donated by China to support IDPs and returnees across the country.
The food aid distribution targets about 48,000 vulnerable people, including IDPs, returnees, and communities affected by floods and conflict.
Speaking at the launch of the first phase of distribution, Albino Akol Atak Mayom, minister of humanitarian affairs and disaster management, revealed that the first phase includes 37 containers of rice, totaling about 814 tonnes, which are being distributed in Juba before being expanded to other states and administrative areas.
Akol added that the distribution will be implemented in four phases, with rice distributed first, followed by wheat in subsequent phases.
According to the plan, 60 percent of the assistance will be distributed to 10 states and three administrative areas, while 40 percent will remain in Juba and the surrounding areas.
Stephen Kueth Gach, chairperson of the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, lauded the Chinese government for its continued humanitarian support to victims of conflict and climate-related shocks.
"We thank the Chinese government for its unwavering support in preserving lives and improving food security for the most vulnerable people in South Sudan," Gach said. ■