URGENT APPEAL - Somalia's famine crisis

Yesterday the United Nations declared an official famine across two regions of southern Somalia - in the districts of Bakool and Lower Shabelle.

With UNICEF being the largest presence of any aid organisation in Somalia, it continues to work with local Somali administrations, communities, as well as local and international NGOs to deliver services to women and families throughout the country.

Nearly half of the Somali population - 3.7 million people - are now in crisis, of whom an estimated 2.8 million people are in the south. Consecutive droughts have affected the country in the last few years while the ongoing conflict has made it extremely difficult for agencies to operate and access communities in the south of the country.

Together with other charities and NGOs, the UNICEF Somalia team is working hard to bolster support to improve nutrition, access to safe water and health for the affected children. It's estimated that approximately £37 million ($60million) will be required to meet the needs.

Today it was reported that the UK has been leading the way with donations, but more support is still desperately needed. I have just donated, please do the same and help UNICEF's aid in East Africa.

For more information and donations, please visit www.unicef.org.uk/eastafrica.