New York (AKI) - The United Nations has launched a 20 million dollar appeal to help up to one millions Syrians, mainly herders and farmers, hit by the country’s worst drought in four decades.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the situation was not expected to improve for several months.
An assessment by the UN country team found that the situation is far worse than initially feared and has requested 20.2 million dollars for various projects.
The UN said average crop yields have dropped significantly in Syria and up to 59,000 small herders have lost almost all their herds, while 47,000 others have lost up to 60 percent.
Food prices have also risen at an alarming rate, outstripping household income and purchasing power in affected areas.
Anemia, malnutrition and diarrhea are on the rise, especially among children under five and pregnant women. Drinking water has also decreased in rural areas.
The UN Central Emergency Relief Fund has already allocated 1.97 million dollars for three projects in the appeal.