The funding announced by Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, will benefit people in Ethiopia, Nigeria Somalia, South Sudan and the Lake Chad region.

Of the newly-announced funds, nearly $184 million is for affected populations in South Sudan and more than $110 million is for millions vulnerable in Ethiopia.

More than $110 million is for affected populations in Somalia and over $128 million for millions in Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

With the new funding from the State Department and US Agency for International Development, the country is providing emergency food and nutrition assistance to help vulnerable populations through food aid.

Additionally, the funding supports safe drinking water programmes, emergency health care and hygiene programmes and reunification of families separated by conflict.

The assistance also includes medical supplies, improved sanitation and emergency shelter.

The US is the largest donor of humanitarian assistance for the crises in Africa, providing nearly $3 billion since the beginning of 2017.

Tillerson appealed to leaders in affected countries to embrace peace and prioritise the welfare of citizens.

“Millions will continue to be at risk as long as parties to conflicts continue engaging in violence. The US calls on all parties to allow aid workers safe and unhindered access to help communities in need.”
– CAJ News