Millions face starvation in South Sudan

JUBA, Sudan, April 27 (UPI) -- A children's organization said it is launching a major food distribution program in South Sudan where millions face starvation and disease.

Fikru Abebe of Plan International told Africa News his group will begin by providing cereal and beans to mostly women and children. "We will soon start distributing seeds and farming tools as well as providing water, sanitation and hygiene services," Abebe said Tuesday.

The government in South Sudan and humanitarian organizations are overwhelmed by the number of refugees returning from the north.

Besides a lack of basic amenities, they face food shortages due to crop failures and instability that deterred farmers from planting.

The United Nations estimates that 2.7 million people need food aid in southern Sudan.

Abebe said Juba County is considered to have the greatest food shortages.

Other areas that need immediate intervention with rations include Rokon Payam and Dolo Payams, he said.