The UN organization that manages the massive humanitarian disasters that hit our indifferent planet year after year. As I write this, Niger is facing a crisis far worse than the tsunami:

UN appeals remain dangerously under-funded with only one third of the money needed from international donors pledged. In many cases, even the pledges that have been made have not translated into money arriving. The failure to fund these appeals is putting lives at risk.

Oxfam experts in Niger are setting up a $2 million food support program. Vouchers will be distributed to 130,000 people which can be traded for food with local traders. Plans are also in place to help 28,000 nomadic herders to buy new animals for a fair price.

"Oxfam's program is saving lives but in the face of the level of need, this is just a drop in the ocean. Almost four million people need food aid now. The UN appeals need immediate funding to ensure that all those in need receive help," said Quist.