The United States has pledged $16 Million  in additional humanitarian assistance to South Sudan.

The figure brings to total, the United State contributions to the humanitarian effort in South Sudan since the beginning of the crises, to over a billion dollars.

In a statement, the US embassy in Juba says the money will be used to provide food, shelter and health services for people affected by the current conflict.

Nearly three million people currently face extreme hunger in the country, according to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network.

“The amount of humanitarian assistance coming in to this country is huge but it is not enough to meet all the needs,” said Teresa McGhie, USAID Mission Director.

“It’s only a peace agreement [that] can really get South Sudan back on its feet.”

Ms McGhie appealed to the warring parties to end the conflict.

“So, we are asking the leaders of South Sudan to be willing to compromise to come to a sustainable agreement that will bring peace to the country.”