U.N. Urges $4 Billion Aid To Avert Famine For 20M in Africa, Yemen

"UNITED NATIONS -- More than $4 billion is needed by the end of March to help nearly 20 million people who risk starvation in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday.

Citing armed conflicts and climate change as part of the reasons for the food emergency, Guterres led a call for $5.6 billion in funding for humanitarian operations in the four countries this year, of which $4.4 billion are needed by the end of next month "to avert a catastrophe."

"Despite some generous pledges, just $90 million has actually been received so far," said Guterres, about two cents for every dollar needed."

Rodrigo Campos reports for Reuters February 22, 2017.

Source: Reuters, 02/23/2017