United Nations (UN) officials said today that the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the number of people needing humanitarian assistance up by 40% from last year, a record high.The UN and its partners said the combination of the virus and the secondary impacts of lockdowns and the global recession, including falling incomes, rising food prices, and interrupted vaccination programs, will result in 235 million people worldwide needing humanitarian aid and protection in 2021."The COVID-19 crisis has plunged millions of people into poverty and sent humanitarian needs skyrocketing," UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock said in a press release. "Next year we will need $35 billion to stave off famine, fight poverty, and keep children vaccinated and in