Andrews to report on famine threat facing Niger

Chairman of the Irish Red Cross David Andrews will travel to Niger this week as Irish aid agencies step up their relief efforts against widespread starvation and possible famine.

Minister of State for Overseas Development Conor Lenihan has asked Mr Andrews, a former minister for foreign affairs, to report back to him on the situation in the central African state, the world's second-poorest country.

The move followed the Government's announcement last week of a €1 million allocation to support the international response to the food crisis.

Concern, which was awarded €500,000 of the Government funding, warned yesterday that if the international community did not respond immediately Niger would face an "Ethiopia-type" famine.

The UN said 3.6 million people are short of food, with tens of thousands of children at risk of starving to death. The UN had warned of the impending crisis as far back as November 2004 but pledges failed to materialise as Niger slipped down the news agenda.

Goal chief executive John O'Shea said he hoped to charter an aircraft today to bring food and medical supplies into Niger.

"We are also appealing for experienced doctors, midwives, nurses and project managers, especially those with a knowledge of French, to contact us. By Wednesday we hope to have a team of 10 to 15 out there."

Goal has already allocated €250,000 for its aid effort, and the Irish Red Cross €100,000. Concern, which has been working in Niger since 2003, last week carried out its first emergency airlift of supplies, including 40 tonnes of rations, special medicines for malnourished children.

Mr Andrews said: "I need to meet the people concerned and hold face-to-face discussions with our local and international Red Cross colleagues on the ground in the areas affected.

"What we do know is that public donations to the Irish Red Cross to fund the purchase of food is absolutely vital as very young children are already losing the battle with hunger," he said.