Red Cross completes Malawi fact finding mission

A delegation from the Irish Red Cross is to conclude a fact finding visit to the southern African state of Malawi today.

An estimated 3.3 million people there face starvation and the Irish Red Cross is appealing for funds to help them.

David Andrews, chairman of the Irish Red Cross, who is leading the delegation, says the problems are compounded by the scourge of HIV/Aids, which also needs urgent action.

"It is an issue that demands education, it is one that demands focus, it is one that demands knocking down ignorance. I don't say ignorance in any other way, bar lack of knowledge.

"Until the people of southern Africa know how to deal with the problems related to Aids then and only then can that particular tide be stemmed and hopefully pushed back in time."