Eastern Europe, Central Asia - Chronic poverty is emerging as a increasing concern in the region, as evidence suggests that even in countries with a robust growth record there is a growing group of the chronically poor. Growth in the region as a whole was positive in 1997, which contributed to reducing overall poverty levels. But growth in 1997 was followed by a downturn in 1998, due in large part to the Russia crisis and its effect on other countries in the region. But preliminary analysis based on country-specific poverty lines suggests that the downturn has not had a significant impact on poverty. The financial crisis put an end to a long period of rapid growth, and led to significant increases in poverty.
Recovery is, however, still fragile.
South Asia - The picture for South Asia is mixed. International Development Goals Poverty - Reducing by half the proportion of people in extreme poverty by 2015. Education - Achieving universal primary education in all countries by 2015. Health - Providing access to reproductive health services for all individuals of appropriate age no later than 2015. Gender - Demonstrating progress toward gender equality and the empowerment of women by eliminating gender disparities in primary and secondary education by 2005.