The US Agency for International Development, USAID and the International Organization for Migration or IOM, report that they have improved access to clean water and safe sanitation in parts of South Sudan.
IOM in a statement says they have launched a large-scale project to provide equitable access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, WASH services for people affected by the crisis in the country.
It says they also strengthen prevention of gender-based violence in South Sudan where the conflict has increased the vulnerability of women and girls.
Many of the abuses occur when women and girls undertake survival activities, such as fetching water, says IOM.
It observes that South Sudan has one of the world’s lowest rates of access to safe sanitation, with 90 percent of the population living without access.
USAID Mission Director Jeff Bakken says the agency serves vulnerable communities with improved water, sanitation and hygiene to reduce morbidity and mortality.
The new USAID program is to address lifesaving issues by working directly with communities to improve access, well-being of all members and change behaviors, he adds.