South Sudan: Priest feeds 4,000 refugees

Fr David Tulimelli is hosting thousands of people at the Don Bosco compound amid warnings that over 4 million people now face severe hunger in South Sudan due to fighting between government troops and opposition fighters across the country.

The priest has partnered with international aid agency, World Vision to provide food for people facing starvation.

"Last year we supported around 4,000 people at the Don Bosco compound. But when food supplies ran out for two months and we were hit by Cholera, thirty-seven people died. I'm worried that this could happen again," Fr Tulimelli said.

He appealed for help to continue feeding the refugees.

Jeremiah Young, World Vision South Sudan Policy and Peace-building Advisor, believes there is high likelihood the situation will deteriorate.

He said: "We cannot ignore the fact that parts of the country are on the brink of famine. World Vision research shows that the failure to provide necessary interventions required to both strengthen capacity to withstand shocks and stresses while also providing lifesaving assistance will likely result in millions more experiencing the highest levels of food insecurity ever recorded in South Sudan.

"If this happens, previous aid and investment will have been wasted. Donors and politicians need to act now to help children caught up in this conflict," Young warned.

Currently, the number of displaced South Sudanese stands at approximately 2.2 million people.