Can we save lives in exchange of fuel?

Just read that 300 000 Ethiopian kids are dying every year of poor nutrition and that almost 200 000 are in danger of dying from malnutrition if they don't get 13 millions in aid in the next 60 days. Not to sound pessimistic but if they don't find any oil sources there, no money will come from rich Countries and kids will continue to die and be reported at the bottom of page 87, small prints, of the USA Today!