(Photos: Reuters Pictures)

Some of the biggest stars on the planet are using the collective power of their social media presence to help raise money to combat the devastating drought and famine in the Horn of Africa. 

Ten million people across East Africa are suffering through the worst food crisis the world has seen in decades. One million children in Somalia are facing starvation, and at least 29,000 under the age of 5 have already died. The AP reported Thursday that some parents are facing an agonizing choice: which child to save.

Parents wait with their malnourished and dehydrated children in a corridor at Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu. (Photo: Reuters Pictures)

Now Save The Children is hoping that reach of the global stars’ social media wattage—nearly 600 million Facebook and Twitter fans combined—will help raise much-needed cash to head off an even greater disaster. 

Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Beyonce, Eminem, Rihanna, Britney Spears, David Beckham, U2, Kanye West, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Muhammad Ali, Muse, Coldplay, Elton John, Lewis Hamilton, Bruno Mars, Robert Plant, Cristiano Ronaldo, Brian May, and Sting are among the music and sports icons who have signed up for the urgent appeal. 

They’ll all encourage their fans to view a short film about the crisis that was created by by award-winning director Kevin MacDonald. Set to Bob Marley’s classic song “High Tide or Low Tide,” it can also be purchased from iTunes for $1.29. 

“Save the Children, along with other aid agencies, is already supporting families with food, water and medicines. But the crisis is getting worse by the day and millions of children are facing starvation. We can stop this happening. But we need to act now. Every day counts. Please help us by downloading this powerful single and let’s stop this catastrophe from getting any worse, said Carolyn Miles, President and CEO Elect of Save The Children. 

Click here to visit the Save The Children “I’m Gonna Be a Friend” campaign website and find out how you can help.