US is biggest giver of Horn of Africa famine aid

A U.N. list of countries donating aid money to the Horn of Africa famine shows that the U.S. is by far the biggest donor, having given around $580 million in aid this year.

The U.N. says the world community has given $1.1 billion in aid so far, but that $1.3 billion more is needed to help the more than 12 million people in need. At least 30,000 people have already died.

Britain is the second-biggest donor at $205 million, followed by Japan and Australia. Saudi Arabia is next at $60 million. It is the biggest donor from the Muslim world.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday announced another $17 million in U.S. funding. She said the drought is a reminder of the need to invest in global agriculture.More...