JUBA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Tuesday launched a funding appeal worth 390 million U.S. dollars to boost response to COVID-19 pandemic in South Sudan.

Alain Noudehou, humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, said the latest funding appeal will help provide assistance to 7.4 million people by the end of the year, up from 5.4 million who are in need of emergency aid.

"The humanitarian community in South Sudan is committed to staying the course and deliver much-needed essential services and assistance for the most vulnerable, including older people, people with disabilities, and women and girls, as well as those who have been newly hit, such as the urban poor," said Noudehou.

Noudehou said that humanitarian agencies have been supporting the government's COVID-19 response strategy since April, with emphasis on prevention and mitigation.

South Sudan on Monday confirmed 21 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number to 1,776 with 30 fatalities and 58 recoveries.