The World Bank on Wednesday said it has given the go ahead for a program worth US$2.3 billion that will help countries in eastern and southern Africa counter the effects of food insecurity.

According to the bank, over 66 million people will be affected within the next month by dwindling food resources in the region. This newly approved program is expected to help increase the resilience of the region's food systems.

The statement issued by Hafez Ghanem, World Bank vice president for Eastern and Southern Africa said the challenge of food insecurity in the region has been worsened by climate change, political instability and the Russia – Ukraine War. 

Mr. Ghanem added that Ethiopia and Madagascar, two countries hit by severe drought, will be prioritised in the first phase of the project.