More than 10 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and the newly-formed Republic of South Sudan have been left in need of food, water and emergency healthcare because of one of the worst droughts in 60 years. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled Somalia and due to the drought and conflict, parts of the country are now afflicted by famine.
International Development Minister, Andrew Mitchell MP, said: "In the past few weeks, I have visited the region and was horrified by what I encountered. At one refugee camp in Kenya, I met women who had walked for weeks to reach refuge. Some had been robbed; many had met violence; others had lost children to hunger along the way.
"We cannot ignore this appalling situation and I am proud that Britain is leading the way. The government has already provided over £90 million of aid to the region which will provide emergency assistance to more than 2 million people, including access to clean drinking water and treatment for starving children.
"But far more is needed urgently. We are vigorously pressing the international community to join us in taking action. We also need to work together as a country, in line with our strong tradition of generosity, and do everything we can to support the DEC Appeal. The British public have already been incredibly supportive but please... reach into your pockets and give what you can."
Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine added: "This is a very tragic situation, and I would ask all my constituents to take a look at the DEC website and help raise awareness with friends and family."
More information...
You can donate to the DEC Appeal via www.dec.org.uk/appeals/east-africa-crisis-appeal