Smiles are shining as you bring life-giving water to children in Malawi

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Over the past three and a half years, the Irish Red Cross has worked tirelessly together with other aid agencies to empower the communities in Malawi by securing life-saving water and sanitation services and this year a good harvest can finally be enjoyed by families. For these communities whose livelihood is entirely dependant on this food source, it is first step in the beginning of a brighter future, their relief and joy seen in their vibrant smiles, according to David Andrews.

Dubliner IRC delegate Anne Cunningham who works closely with the communities said, " Many women are left no option but to carry large containers of water from unsanitary ponds and rivers located up to ten miles away from their villages" David Andrews stresses how imperative it is that the Irish Red Cross continues this work as the supply of fresh water and sanitation directly correlates to the reduction of disease, illness and starvation as more than 4.8 million people in Malawi are food-insecure, with half of children under five malnourished. These water related illnesses attribute to over 60% of hospital admissions. In total, the Red Cross plans to reach 580,500 people with food aid and water and sanitation projects.

Malawi continues to be a priority country for the Irish Red Cross, one of the poorest African countries severely hit by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa that has left 25 million people dead, 40 million people living with the disease and 11 million children under the age of 15 orphaned.

2007/08 Water Sanitation & HIV/AIDS Project Milestones Checklist

* 35 boreholes rehabilitated & 6 new boreholes drilled

* 500 sanitary latrines constructed to reduce illnesses such as diarrhea & malaria

* 25 community based operation and maintenance committees established and functioning by December 31st 2008.

* Skilled hygiene promoters roll out a HIV/AIDS education programme covering a target population of 12,000 people

* Distribution of 33 Home Based Care kits, uniforms and refills and 3 bicycle ambulances.

* 50 Secondary School Orphans specifically targeted under the educational support program receive sanitary packs and food parcels. Such support is essential in order to prevent children dropping out of school.