The European Commission (EC) on Friday announced that it has provided $12.9 million to help save the lives of conflict-affected people in war-torn South Sudan.

The money, which was given to South Sudan through the UN World Food Programme (WFP), is in addition to the $32 million contribution that was already confirmed for 2017.

"The country needs to continue international support which, combined with unimpeded access to the affected population, will help prevent the unfolding catastrophe from expanding further," WFP Representative and Country Director in South Sudan Joyce Luma said in a statement.

"This support is vital to our ongoing efforts to respond to the unprecedented levels of hunger in South Sudan this year," Luma said.

Nearly 5.5 million people facing severe hunger in South Sudan. In February, famine was declared in Leer and Mayendit counties, affecting about 100,000 people.

The contribution from the EC's Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) for WFP South Sudan will provide emergency food and nutrition assistance to about 890,000 people facing hunger as a result of conflict and seasonal food insecurity, including an estimated 165,000 children under the age of five and pregnant and breastfeeding women.