News

Government to Double South Sudan Appeal

Thursday November 30 2017

The UK Government will match fund donations to Christian Aid’s Christmas appeal for South Sudan, it has been announced.

The appeal, Enough for Everyone, focuses on Christian Aid’s work in the world’s newest country, where an estimated six million people are lacking adequate food following three years of internal conflict.

Sally Foster-Fulton, Head of Christian Aid Scotland said: “The situation we are seeing in South Sudan is particularly dire, with half the population now experiencing food insecurity. The economic crisis in the country continues to escalate, with the cost of cereals, skyrocketing. The situation has been further exacerbated by the ongoing civil war which has forced millions to flee.

“We welcome the news that our Christmas Appeal is again being supported by UK Aid Match, which will double the amount raised, helping us to support people living in poverty."

International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt said: “Conflict can leave many families in desperate need, often without enough food and water. Since famine was declared in South Sudan earlier this year, the UK has played a leading role in the vital humanitarian response, including giving food assistance to over half a million people.

“Christian Aid’s Enough for Everyone appeal will provide lifesaving nutrition programs to thousands more people still facing the reality of food insecurity, transforming the lives of malnourished women and children in South Sudan.”

Christian Aid partner organisation SPEDP (Support for Peace and Education and Development Programme) is providing cash vouchers to people struggling with acute malnutrition so they can buy essential food in local markets to help their families recover.

Donations made to the Christmas Appeal up to February 5 2018 will be matched up to £2.7 million, with the money from the UK Government going directly to fund the work in South Sudan.