The World Bank Group is working towards raising $1.6 billion to put in place social protection systems with a view to ending food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa and Yemen.

The bank’s President , Jim Yong-Kim said about 20 million people in Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia and Yemen were on the “tipping point” of famine.

A statement issued yesterday by Head of Communications, World Bank Nigeria, Mrs. Olufunke Olufon, quoted Kim as saying:

“We at the World Bank Group stand in solidarity with the people now threatened by famine.

“We are mobilising an immediate response for Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. Our first priority is to work with partners to make sure that families have access to food and water.

“We are working toward a financial package of more than 1.6 billion dollars to build social protection systems, strengthen community resilience, and maintain service delivery to the most vulnerable.’’

Kim disclosed that he was also working with the bank’s board of directors to secure the approval of new operations amounting to $770 million, which is funded substantially through the International Development Association (IDA) Crisis Response Window.

“The World Bank Group will help respond to the immediate needs of the current famine, but we must recognise that famine will have lasting impacts on people’s health, ability to learn, and earn a living.

“So, we will also continue to work with communities to reclaim their livelihoods and build resilience to future shocks. We are coordinating closely with the UN and other partners in all areas of our response.

“We know that resolution to this acute crisis will not be possible without all humanitarian and development actors working together.

“We call on the international community to respond robustly and quickly to the UN global appeal for resources for the famine.’’

South Sudan officially assumed the status of a famine-prone nation with approximately 100,000 people impacted.

United Nations also stated that Yemen, Northeast Nigeria, and other countries also face the risk

By UN estimates, about 20 million people in Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia and Yemen are affected by famine.

Thisday