The children are among the more than 14 million people in Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Kenya, Uganda and Djibouti that are critically affected, and the numbers are on an ‘alarming upward trajectory,’ UNICEF said.

The agency said some experts are predicting that million more children and families could be affected across the Horn of Africa if steps are not taken immediately.

“Strong national leadership is needed at this critical juncture, and more international funding must be quickly mobilised," UNICEF's Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Per Engebak, said in a statement.

"The risks to children and their families are immense and we are running out of time to reverse them."

Relief efforts in the troubled region have been hampered by weak governance as well as attacks on aid workers by armed groups.

"Security is a major complication in responding to the needs of affected people in many parts of the Horn at this time," said Engebak.