As governments modify these practices, stronger and more durable programs of social protection will be needed, not only to prevent suffering but also to sustain political support for open market-oriented policies in increasingly democratic contexts. The need for long-term social protection is becoming well recognized. Many countries are revamping old programs and building new ones, with significant outside help. But reforms face formidable technical, political, and financial obstacles. Needs and issues vary.
Many Asian countries lack broad unemployment compensation or pension systems.
In most of Africa, the great majority of the population remains unprotected. In the poorest countries, only the most rudimentary measures may be affordable for decades. Even middle income countries may find they cannot afford full-fledged security programs any time soon. In short, building adequate social protection systems is a slow and costly process. Most ad hoc relief measures are unavoidably too little, too late.