This morning, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched its East Africa appeal, with the UK Government committing to match every pound donated up to £5 million.

In the four countries in the region where famine has been declared – South Sudan, Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia – drought and conflict have left more than 16 million people in the region facing severe malnutrition.  This includes 800,000 children under the age of five who are at risk of starvation in the region.

In South Sudan alone over 40% of the population, 4.9 million people, are considered severely food insecure as a result of 9 months of conflict and a collapsing domestic economy.

Commenting on the appeal, Jeff said: “This appeal comes at a crucial time in the drive to prevent the suffering of the millions of children currently at risk of starvation in East Africa.

I’m glad to see the UK Government taking a role in tackling this humanitarian crisis, and I encourage everyone to give what they can to help.”

You can find out more about the work of the Disasters Emergency Committee here, and donate to their East Africa appeal here.