The United Nations’ Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan Toby Lanzer said aid agencies require at least $600 million “by the end of February if we are to save more lives and reach all people in acute need in early 2015.”

This is in addition to a $60 million allocation from the Common Humanitarian Fund that he announced this week. That money will go toward purchasing non-food items and emergency shelters and providing water and sanitation services.

“Seeds and tools must be in the right locations by April so that communities can make the most of the planting season,” he said. “With a projected 2.5 million people facing food insecurity between January and March, such support is critical.”

In total, aid agencies are asking for $1.8 billion in 2015 to support 4.1 million people in need.