Red Cross launches appeal

The Red Cross yesterday launched a $170m (pounds 106m) appeal to fund its activities in 56 countries around the world.

In recent years, the International Federation of the Red Cross has focused on the plight of refugees. Now, the emphasis is more on disaster and disease. All too often, it says, "the consequences of catastrophe ... can be traced to uncontrolled urban development and environmental abuse". The incidence of disease and the breakdown of public health networks is an increasing concern.