Chapter II Eradication of poverty 142.
Gender inequalities continue to hamper economic growth and well-being.
Increased natural disasters, the hangover from the East Asian economic crisis, the continuing economic decline of the former Soviet Union, the growing toll of AIDS, especially in Africa, and new outbreaks of war have exacerbated poverty in many parts of the world in 1998. The eradication of poverty is one of the central goals of the United Nations and its agencies, but its achievement remains elusive. While declining aid flows are part of the problem, increasing aid is not a panacea. What makes the difference is how the aid is used. Where foreign assistance is misused, it is of little benefit to those in need.