Alliance members are among leading UK aid agencies launching a crisis appeal for East Africa.

Tearfund and World Vision are among 13 charities taking part in the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal.

More than 16 million people in the region are facing starvation.

DEC chief executive, Saleh Saeed, said: "Hunger on a massive scale is looming across East Africa. More than 800,000 children under five are severely malnourished. Without urgent treatment, they are at risk of starving to death. 

"We are hearing that families are so desperate for food that they are resorting to eating leaves to survive. This is something no family should have to endure.

"Unless we act now the number of deaths will drastically increase. Don't delay – please donate."

Tearfund is already providing malnutrition treatment for thousands in South Sudan, as well as providing clean water and food support. 

World Vision is providing emergency food to children in need and medical care for children affected by malnutrition.

The UK government will match pound for pound the first £5million donated by the public to the DEC East Africa Crisis Appeal.

Click to donate via Tearfund or World Vision.

You can make a donation to the DEC East Africa Crisis Appeal by visiting dec.org.uk, call the 24-hour hotline on 0370 60 60 610, donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque. You can also donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.

You can also stay up to date with developments in East Africa, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts with the DEC on Twitter: twitter.com/decappeal, on Facebook via facebook.com/DisastersEmergencyCommittee or by searching #fightingfamine  

Photo: Colin Crowley / Save the Children