The United Nations has warned that the coronavirus pandemic could almost double the number of people around the world suffering from acute hunger, expressing concerns for people in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The UN's World Food Programme said the virus could be catastrophic for millions of people whose lives are already hanging by a thread - who can only eat if they are earning a wage.

A report compiled by the organisation said the total number suffering from hunger could be pushed from 135 million last year to more than 250 million.

Most are in 10 countries affected by conflict, economic crisis and climate change. They include Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, the DR Congo, Venezuela, Haiti and Afghanistan.