There is, however, often a lack of consistency between macro-economic objectives and the national poverty reduction goals. It is a challenge to help governments carry out the needed liberalisation of their economies in a manner that does not create or enhance vulnerability. The humanitarian actors have already seen the emergence of new vulnerability in this context in Asia and in Eastern Europe. When new needs occur, humanitarian actors must adapt their programmes and activities. But we also possess extensive knowledge on how, and why, vulnerability increases and would be pleased to advise concerned governments and institutions.
Health problems are a major impediment to development and to globalisation.
The detrimental effects of poor health on school attendance and productivity is well known. In the most affected African countries, new problems are emerging - a smaller workforce, a lack of teachers, a large number of orphans and impoverishment in order to pay for the indispensable treatments. When natural disasters strike, decades of development are destroyed. My distinguished panellist colleague from El Salvador can certainly confirm this. The countries most prone to natural disasters need assistance in order to strengthen their disaster preparedness.