TEHRAN More than 100 million people are affected by drought this year, especially in East Africa and Central Asia, AFP quoted the World Food Program (WFP) as saying Tuesday.
The WFP said it was providing emergency food aid to 16 million people, and estimated that up to $350 million were needed to maintain its $700 million (771-million-euro) program.
A total of 23 countries are suffering from drought but not all have received international attention, including Tajikistan, where three million people are affected and where 1.9 million people need help.
Kenya has 3.3 million people affected by drought and the WFP said it had learnt Tuesday that it was to reduce the distribution of rations there because of a lack of stocks.
While 70 percent of Ethiopia's needs have been met, only 13 of the $88 million asked for the Kenyan operation have been found.
Equally, 70 percent of Afghanistan's needs have been met, but some $75 million are still needed for the program in Tajikistan.
The WFP said the effect of not being able to reach drought-hit populations was one of migration, often to countries facing problems themselves.
The WFP added that the authorities in China, India and Pakistan had not asked for assistance because they believed they could deal with the emergencies themselves.
Kenya has 3.3 million people affected by drought and the WFP said it had learnt Tuesday that it was to reduce the distribution of rations there because of a lack of stocks.