EDITOR - The global humanitarian system is facing significant challenges. At a time when need has increased because of conflict and the effects of climate change, funding has been slashed.

A new study published in The Lancet estimates that by the end of the decade, up to 22.6 million people could die if the United States and other Western donors continue to slash foreign aid. Tens of millions more could be pushed into poverty, threatening decades of progress in reducing poverty levels in the Global South.

We are seeing catastrophic deficits in terms of what is needed. Sudan today is the world’s biggest humanitarian crisis with 25 million people in need of aid and 12 million having had to flee their homes. There is widespread acute malnutrition.

In Somalia, where Trócaire provides the only healthcare to a region the size of Ireland, our midwives are being put in the devastating position of having to choose who gets treatment as there just aren’t enough resources to cover the need.

Our team in Lebanon has seen people having to face incredible challenges because of the current conflict there and they are working in the most difficult circumstances.”

The irony is that at the same time that these cuts are implemented by various countries and are impacting on people caught up in conflict, we are seeing a huge increase in military spending by those same countries. We need to call out this disgraceful state of affairs.

We are thankful that Ireland is one country that has maintained its level of overseas aid and the Irish Government has indicated that this commitment will continue. The people of Co. Cork have been unflinching in their support of the world’s most vulnerable communities and the difference this support has made, and continues to make, is humbling.

Last year people in the county donated more than €414,000 during Lent and I am issuing a plea to people right across Cork to return this year’s Trócaire Box Appeal donations as quickly as possible so that we can ensure that communities on the brink can get the support they need at this precarious time.

I would urge people to make their donation at www.trocaire.org or by calling 1800 408 408.

Seán Farrell,

Trócaire CEO.

RMS Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage recalled

EDITOR -  The story of the RMS Titanic is multi-layered. On its first voyage it was hit by an iceberg in the North Atlantic on the night of the April 14th 1912 at 11.40pm and sank in two hours 40 mins.

Over 1,500 people died, 712 survivors. On its anniversary, events are held in Belfast, Southampton, Cherbourg, Cobh and New York -- and in Halifax, Canada where some of the Titanic’s dead were buried.

Why is the Titanic remembered? It was the largest ship at the time, owned by the famous White Star Line. There were just enough lifeboats for 53 per cent of those onboard.

A witness said the 24 engineers were told by the chief engineer, Joseph Bell, they could leave. They all died with the ship - keeping the lights and engines going as long as possible. Thomas Andrews, the chief designer of Titanic, died too. He was seen putting women and children in lifeboats.

Thomas Andrews had asked for more lifeboats and an extra-strong double hull but was refused by the White Star line. There were 30 nationalities onboard. Most were British, Irish and American.

Eight workers were killed in its building. One of them died as Titanic was released underneath when launched.  The ‘Titan’ submersible imploded in 2023 near the Titanic site killing all onboard; including the owner of the new, lighter type of submersible.

He was very confident it was safe - in spite of concerns expressed by others. He had hoped to build a business bringing people to see the remains of the Titanic.

Mary Sullivan,

Cork.

Demand for blood high as stocks diminish

EDITOR -  The IBTS is asking blood donors to answer its call to attend donation clinics this week as blood stocks are at a critical level after the long bank holiday weekend.

As of Tuesday morning, we have just over two days’ supply of O positive and just over three days for other key blood groups.  We have contacted the hospitals to advise that the stock levels are very low and we will be actively managing stock to ensure blood is available for those who need it most.

Hospital demand for blood has been high, particularly during March. This has coincided with bank holidays around St Patrick’s Day and Easter, with some donors taking advantage of the holidays and good weather, meaning they have been unavailable for clinics during that period.

The IBTS aims to have seven days’ supply at all times, however, current supply levels for most groups are significantly below this, with Group O Positive being at its lowest level this year.

We are seeing lower booking rates than normal for our permanent centres in Dublin and Cork, and it’s vital we see these improve. Ideally, we need to increase our collections by an additional 500 donations per week across all blood groups before the May bank holiday, to be able to meet the consistently high demand.

New donors are especially welcome, and we would encourage anybody interested in giving blood to visit https://www.giveblood.ie/become-a-donor/ to check their eligibility before coming to a clinic and call us on 1800 731137 to make an appointment.

Barry Doyle,

IBTS director.