HC Deb 15 May 2002 vol 385 cc687-8W
13. Mr. Borrow

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the work of her Department in Malawi. [54750]

Clare Short

My Department is managing a £70 million programme this year, making DFID the largest donor in Malawi. Assistance is concentrated on rural livelihoods, health, education and governance.

There has been a substantial shortfall in Malawi's 2002 maize harvest (the country's main staple). DFID is at the forefront of efforts to help. Since January, my Department has provided an additional £4.6 million in direct food relief for distribution through local non-governmental organisations. We have provided a further £1.2 million for "winter" food production (expected to yield 75,000 metric tonnes of maize by September) and a much larger programme, timed to coincide with November rains, is in preparation.

Mrs. Spelman

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action she is taking to improve food distribution by NGOs in southern Africa, with particular reference to Malawi. [55892]

Clare Short

We have provided £5.1 million for NGOs to distribute food to those who are worst affected by maize shortages in Malawi. Now that the 2002 harvest is coming in, there is time to concentrate on improving national food security strategy. DFID is supporting joint Government, NGO, private sector, donor working groups to this end.

Mrs. Spelman

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the level of cholera in Malawi; and what is being done to reduce levels of cholera. [55880]

Clare Short

According to WHO, Malawi's recent cholera epidemic was one of the worst that the country has experienced with 981 deaths resulting from 33,510 cases. The epidemic started last October and reached a peak in March 2002, since when case numbers have returned to pre-epidemic levels. The average cholera case fatality rate was particularly high this year because the outbreak coincided with food shortage. In these circumstances, reduced attention to hygienic practices in food preparation and consumption led to increased infection rates; these contributed to higher death rates. A national shortage of intravenous fluids contributed to the difficulties in treating the abnormally high case load. The Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) only presented a situation report and appealed for assistance in mid-March, by which time it was too late to co-ordinate an external response and the epidemic was already waning. The MOHP and development partners in the health sector are planning support for improved disease surveillance and response to avoid the same situation arising next year.

Vernon Coaker

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the prospects for famine in Malawi; and if she will make a statement. [56202]

Clare Short

We are in contact with FAO which is making an assessment of the food situation in Malawi and neighbouring countries. Their report is expected within the next two to three weeks. DFID has spent £5.1 million since January on food relief in Malawi. We stand ready to do more in the light of FAO findings.

Vernon Coaker

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the (a) European Union and (b) United Nations about a co-ordinated response to the humanitarian situation in Malawi. [56203]

Clare Short

We are working closely with all donors represented in Malawi including the European Union and the World Food Programme. FAO will complete an assessment of the food situation in Malawi and the region within the next 2–3 weeks. Donors will then discuss with the Government of Malawi what steps should be taken to cover the maize shortfall.