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The U.N. estimates that tens of thousands of Somalis have already died of malnutrition. It warns a rapid increase in aid is needed to prevent the widespread loss of life.
 
Overall, the Horn of Africa is experiencing the worst drought in six decades. The U.N. has said more than 11 million people are in need of food aid.

 
Thursday, Al-Shabab spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohamoud Rage accused the U.N. of exaggerating the crisis for political reasons. He said al-Shabab will allow increased aid only from foreign agencies currently working in its strongholds, not from organizations it has banned. But he did not specify which organizations.
 
Death rate increasing 
 
Meanwhile, the U.N. refugee agency said Friday the death rate of starving Somalis reaching refugees camps in Ethiopia and Kenya is climbing and the exodus of Somalis is continuing at a high rates.
 
Relief groups are searching to ways to deliver life-saving aid inside the country to save lives and prevent the mass exodus of Somalis to overcrowded camps in neighboring countries.
 
Relief groups say personnel must keep a low profile to avoid being targeted by the militants, whose members sometimes demand payments and seize deliveries.



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<a href="http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/WHO-Five-More-Regions-in-Southern-Somalia-on-Brink-of-Famine-126017398.html" target="_blank" class="news_link">
<h3>WHO: Five More Regions in Southern Somalia on Brink of Famine</h3>
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3.7 million people, nearly one half of country's population, in need of humanitarian assistance

Somali Militants Will Block Aid to Famine-Stricken Areas