UK cuts aid as SSudan on the brink of famine

The UK government's decision to cut overseas aid spending gave rise to concerns to many in South Sudan, one of the world's poorest countries.

The northeastern region of Pibor is at the centre of a humanitarian crisis and is on the brink of famine.

According to a report by British broadcaster Sky News, with two thirds of children in South Sudan are malnourished.

The UK was the second biggest donor of aid but has slashed its contribution to emergency food aid by around 30%, according to Sky.

South Sudan has struggled since achieving independence 10 years ago.

The country is poorly governed and has also been destabilized by tribal warfare and unprecedented floods.

Speaking to Sky News, the World Food Program's South Sudan Country Director said that the international agency was at a point where they were "taking from the hungry to give to the starving" in an effort to avert a famine.

The UK says South Sudan remains a top priority despite the impact of COVID-19 pandemic related cuts.