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The
International Federation distributes food aid in Malawi 10 January 2006 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies started distributing food in Malawi today, in spite of a weak response to its appeal to address hunger in seven Southern African countries. Malawi Red Cross Secretary General Lawson Kasamale said 37,000 families in five Malawi districts would benefit from monthly food packs until June, when the harvest is due. “So many communities had lost hope and they were surprised when the Malawi Red Cross went out to spread the word on the food distribution,” Mr Kasamale said. “People are feeling more optimistic now also because of the onset of what could be a good rainy season.” The International Federation operation in Malawi also includes giving out seeds, fertilizer and cassava cuttings so people can return to feeding themselves. In total, the Red Cross plans to reach 580,500 people with food aid, agricultural starter packs, food-for-work schemes, and water and sanitation projects. More than 4.8 million people in Malawi are food-insecure, with half of children under five malnourished. More than thirty deaths as a result of hunger have been reported. One parent in Balaka, south of the capital, Lilongwe, told the Malawi Red Cross, “getting food is the best present, as I worried how to pay school fees for my child. Education is the future and food is life. Because of the food aid, I can now afford to pay the school fees.” But International Federation head of Southern Africa delegation Francoise Le Goff warned that millions in Southern Africa could remain hungry if urgent action is not taken. “The International Federation is relieved to start this operation, in spite of receiving only 20 percent of the Swiss francs 39 million (US $ 30 million or EUR 25 million) we appealed for in October to help 1.5 million people in Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.“But food insecurity is rapidly deepening across Southern Africa. Right now, 12 million people are feeling the bite of the lean period, before the harvest, when prices are at their highest.” Ms Le Goff called on international donors to dig deeper to meet emergency food needs and to strengthen longer term food security in Southern Africa. “It is our hope that donors and partners will realise the magnitude of this emergency and support this operation. Funds will save lives and build long-term resilience through programmes that focus on agriculture, and water and sanitation,” Ms Le Goff said. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Tapiwa Gomo, IFRC Southern Africa regional information officer, Tel: +265 995 2360 Rosemarie North, press officer, Tel: +41 79 217 3386 Siân Bowen, Head, Media Service, Tel: + 41 79 217 33 88 Duty phone Tel: + 41 79 416 3881 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 183 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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