LOC23:49
20:49 GMT
ROME, Aug 30 (KUNA) -- The heads of the three UN food agencies are scheduled to visit Ethiopia on Friday where drought has led to a critical food and nutrition security situation in that country.
During their visit, the heads of the Food and Agriculture Organisation Jose Graziano da Silva, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Gilbert Houngbo and World Food Program David Beasley will discuss support for the drought-stricken nation, read a joint statement on Wednesday.
"Consecutive climate shocks have resulted in back-to-back droughts, which have caused hunger to soar and malnutrition rates to rise to alarming levels," the statement said ahead of the three-day visit.
More than 8.5 million people currently require food assistance as drought has affected the south and southeast regions of the country for a third consecutive year, it added.
The UN officials are expected to meet drought-affected people and their children, who are receiving food rations, and food distribution centres for starving livestock in Somali region.
The trio will also visit Addis Ababa, where they will discuss the matter with Ethiopian officials, and UN and other partner organizations.
Despite government response efforts, the statement urged the international community to provide "urgently needed" additional efforts and support to prevent a deterioration of the situation. (end)
mn.sd