The World Food Programme (WFP) issued an "urgent call" on Monday for US$1 billion to help millions at risk of starvation in north-eastern Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen. WFP said that a total of 20 million people could starve to death unless the funds became available for use over the next six months. More details from Farhan Haq again. "WFP says three of the four countries facing famine are entering the so-called hunger season, the annual period when food from the last harvest runs out and the death rate among children spikes. WFP also stressed that any blocking of aid by any group translates into the suffering and death of innocent, adding that using food as a weapon of war is unacceptable."