The United Nations has launched a $234 million appeal for humanitarian assistance for Zimbabwe as the country battles its worst economic crisis in a decade.

U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock on Thursday said over 5 million people, close to a third of the population, are food insecure. This appeal will cover just over 2 million people who are the most vulnerable.

He says some people with HIV are unable to take the drugs they need because "they can't take it on an empty stomach."

This once prosperous southern African country struggles with drought, massive unemployment, shortages of basic items and a currency crisis. The U.N. says climate change has worsened the situation.

Zimbabwe is still shaken by a recent government crackdown on protests over a sharp increase in gas prices.