Some mechanisms have been developed to ensure basic services for the poor. Generic drug prices and availability have been addressed. The partnership of national governments and international agencies has been strengthened in the face of economic dangers, and NGOs are complementing and supporting the partnership. But a lack of resources is constraining the effectiveness of these partnerships. The crisis requires that welfare issues related to sexuality be addressed forthrightly.
Sexuality is sensitive in the Southeast Asian region.
Ironically family planning and contraception have been 'de-sexualized' through decades of programmatic messages stressing social responsibility, small families and welfare. Whether STDs and sex education can, or should, be addressed in such terms is an open question. The challenge is to encourage governments to face the question as a priority at a time of crisis. This means the provision of an effective social safety net to cover the needs of the poor, and All actions must provide the basis for broad-based and equitable participation in the economic recovery. This means that short-term actions should build sustainable and equitable systems of social development.