In order to tackle hunger and malnutrition in Africa, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched a new five-year strategy to increase food security programs in 15 African countries, Reuters AlertNet reports (alertnet.org, 4/10).

The initiative will scale up sustainable farming programs, microfinance projects and small-scale irrigation programs to help people access food—including HIV-positive people who need adequate food and water to maintain their health, or to take antiretroviral medications.

“Despite the fact the international community committed itself to drastically cut food insecurity through the Millennium Development Goals, malnutrition is currently on the rise in Africa, fueled by the combined effects of poverty, HIV, climate change, conflicts and the huge increase in population growth,” said Ibrahim Osman, deputy secretary general of the Federation. “So there is a need to act now.”