Washington, DC — In response to the hunger crisis in Malawi -- a "real human disaster, a famine," according to the Catholic Church of Malawi -- Africare seeks generous financial contributions from its supporters to enable the provision of food to the most vulnerable Malawians: young children under five and breast-feeding mothers. Africare will provide soybean meal ("Likumi phala," in the local language) through health clinics in the Ntcheu District, and if resources permit, in Mzimba District as well.

Malawi's Vice President Justin Malewezi has reported children dying on the backs of their mothers as they stand in long lines waiting for food. Many families have resorted to eating roots and leaves to survive.

Secretary of Agriculture Ellard Malindi estimates that 75% of the country's 3 million farming families do not have sufficient food. Vice President Malewezi, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and Catholic priests are among those appealing for immediate emergency food assistance for Malawi.

"We urge the international community to hurriedly assist the Malawian population," the Catholic Church of Malawi said in a statement released this week by the Associated Press.

Malawi is in Southern Africa, and this is the region's hunger period. Last year's crop is exhausted and this year's crop is not ready for harvest. Even in good years, Malawi ranks 151st among 162 countries on the UNDP 2001 Human Development Index. It is classified as both a "least developed" and "low-income, food-deficit" country.

To contribute to Africare's Malawi Relief Fund, visit Africare's Web site at www.africare.org or contact the Office of Development at (202) 462-3614.

Africare is a leader in aid to Africa as well as the oldest and largest African-American organization specializing in African aid.¨