Africans on edge of survival

WIDESPREAD food shortages and rampant AIDS have put nearly 13 million southern Africans "on the very edge of survival," the United Nations has warned, appealing for an urgent $611 million in aid.

"There is still an opportunity to avert famine and to save lives, but this window is closing rapidly," UN Emergency Relief Co-ordinator Kenzo Oshima said.

"I call on the international community and the countries concerned to join hands with the United Nations in a partnership to avert another human tragedy on the African continent," Oshima, speaking on behalf of Secretary-General Kofi Annan, told a meeting at UN headquarters.