More than one million children could experience severe acute malnutrition this year as a result of the food crisis in the Sahel region, the UN humanitarian office (OCHA) is warning.

The children are among 18 million people in nine countries where food insecurity and high prices, combined with armed conflict, are having a dire effect on the population.

David Gressly, UN Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sahel, sees some hope in the fact that there has been a “reasonably good” response to their $1.6 billion funding appeal.

Donn Bobb sat down with Mr. Gressley during his recent visit to New York. He says the appeal is nearly half funded, but more money will be needed to get Sahel residents through the upcoming lean season.

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