§ John RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had on the humanitarian situation in Malawi. [89048]
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§ Clare ShortI remain in regular contact with my officials in Malawi about the humanitarian situation there. A recent UN assessment concluded that 2.2 million people are currently in need of food assistance. This will rise to 3.25 million—a third of the population—between now and March, after which the 2003 harvest will begin. So far, the rains have been good.
DFID's emergency assistance to help deal with the food situation, now totals £34.5 million. This includes £4 million which I approved just before Christmas to support WHO/UNICEF disease surveillance and control, for supplementary feeding programmes and food distribution to people living in AIDS affected households.