The UN food relief agency said Friday it needs 84 million U.S. dollars to extend its assistance to more than 2.8 million people in need of food in South Sudan.

The World Food Program (WFP) is currently assisting 1.7 million people across the world's youngest country, but needs additional funds to expand its assistance to an estimated 2.8 million people in need.

Last month, the UN agency launched an emergency operation for Jonglei state, which included the use of helicopters to deliver aid. So far, the WFP has distributed food to more than 30,000 people in the area and intends to provide food for up to 60,000 others by the end of the year.

WFP spokesperson Elisabeth Byrs said in Geneva that assistance is also needed in Pibor due to the rainy seasons making areas inaccessible, the UN News Center reported here.

The WFP has already hired some helicopters for food distributions, but more are needed to reach some 60,000 people in need of food.

Global acute malnutrition among children under five years is at 11 percent. However, the levels in Jonglei, Lakes, Unity and Warrap states are significantly higher, with general acute malnutrition rates ranging from 14 to 21 percent, Byrs added.

According to the UN, more than 4 million people are affected by food insecurity in South Sudan and more than 70,000 have been internally displaced since the beginning of the year.

South Sudan, which won its independence from Sudan in July 2011 under a peace deal, currently hosts some 220,000 refugees, mostly from Sudan. Endi

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