Prime Minister Ralia Odinga, whose country is among those suffering from the crisis, on Saturday became the first to sign a charter devised by non-governmental organizations including Oxfam, ONE, Save the Children, and World Vision.

The organizations are calling on all countries in the region to ensure famine never occurs again by repairing an international emergency warning system, and supporting local food production.

African and UN leaders are gathering at UN headquarters Saturday for a daylong meeting on the famine threatens the lives of 750,000 people.