This appeal seeks CHF 4,424,819 (USD 3,779,850 or EUR 2,651,072) to fund the planned programmes that are to be implemented in 2008-2009. The overall budget is CHF 18,357,332 (USD 15,684,750 or EURO 10,997,176).
This appeal briefly covers the main outcomes the programmes seek to achieve over the next two years. More detailed information is provided in the 2008-2009 Programme Support Plan and Summary Matrix .
In a world of global challenges, continued poverty, inequity, and increasing vulnerability to disasters and disease, the International Federation with its global network, works to accomplish its Global Agenda, partnering with local community and civil society to prevent and alleviate human suffering from disasters, diseases and public health emergencies.
Current context
The People's Republic of China, with a population of 1.3 billion people, is by far the most populous country in the world, and has both one of the most dynamic and fastest growing economies, while at the same time very marked disparities in income distribution, health status and other vulnerability indicators. While the country invests in preparations for the 2008 Olympics, the people continue to face economic and health challenges that threaten their well-being. Extreme poverty, however, remains an ever-present reality in some parts of the country, regardless of the country's rapid economic progress.
One of the main causes of this continuing significant level of poverty is the effect of large-scale, natural disasters, such as the annual occurrence of severe widespread flooding and frequent earthquakes in many parts of the country. Over the past years, China has seen an increase in the frequency of natural disasters caused by intensified severe weather patterns in the region. And those in the past two years have been some of the worst in recorded history.
At the same time, China faces a growing threat from the spread of infectious disease, such as HIV/AIDS and avian influenza. Since 1999, there has been a 30 percent annual rate of increase of reported HIV infections. Based on this calculation, it is projected that without enough effort to control the epidemic, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS in China will exceed ten million by 2010.
The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) plays an important role as an auxiliary to the government at all levels in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. With 33 provincial/regional levels and over 3,000 county level branches throughout the nation, the RCSC has a mandate to respond to disasters with relief items and recovery plans, and continues to serve its communities with health education and first aid training nationwide.
For further information specifically related to this Appeal, please contact:
Red Cross Society of China: Mr. Wang Xiaohua, director of external relations department; email: rcsc@chineseredcross.org; phone: +86.10.6404.8366, fax +86.10.6402.9928.
Federation East Asia regional office in China: Mr. Carl Naucler, (head of regional office), email; carl.naucler@ifrc.org;
Federation zone in Kuala Lumpur: Mr. Jagan Chapagain (deputy head of zone); email: jagan.chapagain@ifrc.org; phone: + 603 2161 0892; fax: + 603 2161 1210