Leading international aid charities in the UK will launch a joint emergency appeal today to raise awareness of the crisis in Darfur, Chad and the Central African Republic.

|PIC1|Some 4.5 million people are affected by malnutrition across the region, with looming rains bringing the risk of deadly conditions like diarrhoea and malaria, especially for children, pregnant mothers and the elderly.

World Vision, British Red Cross, Cafod, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, and Tearfund are appealing for vital help to respond to the rapidly growing crisis.

Aid agencies are also aiming to save food and medicine stocks before the downpours hit any time within the next four weeks.

Brendan Gormley, Chief Executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee, said: "We are seeing one of the greatest concentrations of human suffering right now in Darfur and Chad and the impending rains will make the situation even worse. The money raised by the British public in 2004 saved thousands of lives and we desperately need your help again.

"We have been keeping people alive but access is already severely hampered by conflict and the rains will make it much harder for us to respond if we don't act now.

"The fact that the UK's leading agencies have come together to appeal shows the severity of the situation. Charities are working tirelessly in the region, with your help, they can literally save thousands more lives. We need to act urgently- please do give generously."

Violence is spreading throughout the region with many villages now burnt out shells. In Darfur alone, two-thirds of the population are dependent on aid. Money raised by the appeal will help people affected by the conflict, giving shelter, clean water and sanitation, emergency food and vital items such as water buckets, blankets and soap and enable medical teams to provide emergency care.