The UN children's agency on Tuesday appealed for US$16 million to fight drought in the Horn of Africa, saying 8 million people, including 1.5 million youngsters under the age of five, need emergency assistance.
The drought has created havoc across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti, causing widespread livestock deaths, crop failures and loss of water sources.
"There is a potential for widespread disease, greater malnutrition and the displacement of significant numbers of people," said Ann Veneman, executive director of UNICEF.
"The international community must respond immediately to the need for assistance," she said in a statement.
According to the agency, measles poses a threat to children's survival since vaccination rates are low in the affected areas and the disease can spread quickly across unprotected populations.
UNICEF said the US$16 million it is requesting will go toward plans to expand water and sanitation facilities and to step up measles immunization campaigns for children and their families.
Veneman said the drought could also have a harmful long-term impact on children's education since many youngsters leave school to help search for food and water.
In four districts in Somalia, only 14 out of 104 schools are still open, but teh agency said some schools in Kenya are actually reporting increased enrolment so children can bring home food for their families.
"The severe drought may not be receiving the same amount of attention as other emergencies. We must act now to save lives," Veneman said.
The children's agency said it is currently working with other non-governmental organizations and the World Food Program in the affected countries to promote immunization and vitamin A campaigns.
It is also working to reduce the potential for abuse and exploitation of children resulting from loss of income, movement of people and competition for limited resources across borders.
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