€6 million partnership deal between Irish Aid & International Federation.

Mr Niskala, who retires this year after serving 38 years in various roles in the Red Cross//Red Crescent Movement was visiting Dublin to sign a new agreement with Irish Aid. This money will be used to help people in West Africa and in Malawi, with €600,000 of this specifically earmarked for Irish Red Cross projects and the balance for use by the International Federation on its projects in Africa.

At a meeting in the Irish Red Cross Head Office, Mr Niskala forecast that the need for effective aid overseas would rise as a result of food price inflation.

"When you look at the increase in food prices in certain parts of the world, you have to think about what we can do to help the people there who are really suffering," he said.

"I'm very, very glad to see that the Irish government through Irish Aid and the Irish Red Cross is doing so much and growing its services all the time," added Mr Niskala.

And he stressed the importance of recognising the contribution of all the people who support the work done by the Red Cross whether as active volunteers or by financial donations.

Mr Niskala also emphasised that the four goals of the Global Agenda of the International Federation would provide the best available pathway for the organisation to take in dealing with the humanitarian crises of today.

Later the Minister of State for Overseas Development, Michael Kitt TD hosted a special ceremony to mark the occasion at the new Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre in O'Connell Street, Dublin

"Under this partnership, Irish Aid is strengthening and deepening our strategic relationship with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Irish Aid will provide €6 million over two years to the International Federation one of our most important partners in responding to humanitarian crises," said Minister Kitt.

On behalf of the International Federation, Mr Niskala noted that the consistent support of Irish Aid for the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement over many years enabled the provision of services to alleviate human suffering, both in emergency situations and in long-term crises.

"We have found a true and staunch humanitarian partner in Irish Aid," said Mr Niskala.

Speaking on behalf of the Irish Red Cross, Ms Jennifer Bulbulia, Honorary Secretary, said she was proud of the work of the Irish Red Cross and the visible and practical difference made in terms of food shelter, sanitation, medicines and equally important, the establishment of programmes that help people rebuild their lives and their communities.

Ms Bulbulia said this was enabled with the support of Irish Aid and the expertise available as part of being a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The global challenges confronting the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are mounting every day. HIV/AIDS is killing over 8,000 people a day. More than 1 billion people live on less than US$ 1 a day. Every day, 30,000 children under the age of five die. Far too many of them are killed by preventable diseases.

Access to basic health services and clean water is still a dream for the majority of the world's population. Moreover, each year, millions of people are affected by natural disasters. The four goals laid down in the Global Agenda set down the main aims of the organisation, they are:

• Goal 1: Reduce the number of deaths, injuries and impact from disasters.
• Goal 2: Reduce the number of deaths, illnesses and impact from diseases and public health emergencies.
• Goal 3: Increase local community, civil society and Red Cross Red Crescent capacity to address the most urgent situations of vulnerability.
• Goal 4: Promote respect for diversity and human dignity, and reduce intolerance, discrimination and social exclusion.