Federation of Red Cross, Red Crescent Societies Appeals for $333 Million to Fund Programs, Including HIV/AIDS Relief

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on Thursday made an appeal for $333 million to fund its work through 2007, including health programs aimed at curbing the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the AP/Los Angeles Times reports. Markku Niskala -- secretary general of the federation, which normally issues appeals for 12 months of funding -- said, "We have come to the conclusion that, unless there is a fundamental change in emphasis from response to preparedness, global resources to respond adequately and in a timely manner to an increase in disaster-linked demands will be overstretched in the years to come" (AP/Los Angeles Times, 12/15). The federation in a statement said about 40% of the funding would go toward hunger relief programs in Africa, where famine is contributing to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The federation also has earmarked funding for health programs in Europe and Central Asia that address issues related to HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (IFRCRCS release, 12/15). According to federation spokesperson Marie-Francoise Borel, the appeal was announced at a meeting with representatives from donor countries. The federation, which last year appealed for $180 million in funding for 2005, is the umbrella organization for 183 Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies (Reuters, 12/15).

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