The U.N. aid office said Friday it will need $8.5 billion next year to assist 51 million people in 16 countries. Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos launched the annual consolidated appeal in Rome on behalf of the United Nations and its 520 humanitarian partners from inside and outside the U.N. organization. "Humanitarian needs continue to grow around the world, and there are millions of people in need as a result of the impact of disasters and conflicts. People need our help and support as they strive to rebuild their lives," Amos said at the launch. The global appeal for 2013 includes 16 national appeals for Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, occupied Palestinian territory, Philippines, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen, and Zimbabwe. The appeal includes the needs of a million boys and girls in Yemen who are suffering from acute malnutrition.
