Deforestation is a huge problem in Malawi.

Temwa's Trees for Life campaign has been re-launched this year because the need in Nkhata Bay North is as real as ever. Right now, deforestation is causing floods, displacement and soil erosion. This inevitably leads to poverty and hunger.

Malawi is currently suffering its third fuel shortage of 2011. There were two earlier in the year during February and July, and this one may not be the last. This chronic lack of fuel is hugely disruptive; it is causing chaos to businesses, public services and Temwa's charitable projects.

Temperatures during the day are often reaching as high as 40 degrees. People are enduring the blazing heat and queuing at fuel stations, often for over eight hours. Some are so desperate to get fuel that they are even sleeping in mile-long queues over night and having to forgo meals whilst they wait.

The 1st December this year was 'World AIDS Day' and there was much to celebrate: AIDS-related deaths are down by 21%. Globally, the number of new HIV infections is also down by 21%. And a total of 2.5 million deaths in developing countries have been averted as a result of the introduction of anti-retroviral treatment. All this is due to a major expansion in access to treatment and education. As UNAIDS' executive director – Michel Sidibe – commented: "we are on the verge of a significant breakthrough".

Unfortunately, in November the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria revealed that it has been forced to cancel its funding until 2014.

Temwa, in conjunction with African Initiatives, are hosting a 'World AIDS day' Q&A session with Ivan Lewis – MP and Shadow Secretary of State for International Development.

Both international development charities – Temwa and African Initiatives – have set up projects that are helping to prevent the spread of HIV in Malawi, Ghana and Tanzania.