World Vision UK has lent its backing to Sunday May 21st being declared as the Global Day of Prayer to End Famine by the World Council of Churches.
It comes as a response to warnings that more than 20 million people face starvation in what the UN has declared the largest humanitarian crisis since 1945.
The day is being supported by international aid agency World Vision UK with the aim of mobilising up to half a billion Christians worldwide to pray and engage with churches, governments and society. Christians are urged to pray for peace where conflict is driving the crisis.
It is timed just before the G7 summit in Italy on 26 – 27 May where crucial matters, such as food security, crisis situations in sub-Saharan Africa and migration will be discussed.
Tim Pilkington, CEO of World Vision UK, said: "Millions of people are facing a potentially catastrophic hunger crisis. Alongside South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Nigeria, World Vision UK is also tremendously concerned about the looming famine in Kenya and Ethiopia – where even more families are on the cusp of starvation.
"We are working fast to deliver aid on the ground where it is most needed, but more needs to be done. The prayers of Christians around the world are vitally needed. Please pray that God would inspire the hearts of international leaders, and raise up people who will transform the lives of vulnerable children affected by this crisis."
A statement from the World Council of Churches said: "We are not only called to respond to the needs of our sisters and brothers in dire situations in a compassionate, timely and sufficient manner."