The present study focuses on four main objectives. First, it presents an update of poverty, and income distribution measures, reported in 1997 by the Bank; second, it looks at deficiencies in social services, and how to improve social services targeted to the poor; third, it considers how trends...

Lithuania's long-term economic strategy aims at building the foundations for achieving rapid convergence with Western European countries. The medium-term objective of the economic policy is to meet the economic criteria for accession and to get ready for membership in the European and Monetary...

Somalia is currently experiencing extreme and widespread drought which has been assessed as an unprecedented climatic event not seen in at least 40 years by meteorological agencies and humanitarian partners. After four consecutive seasons of poor rains, 90 percent of the country is experiencing...

Several countries such as Japan, Brazil, Thailand and Turkey have achieved universal health coverage (UHC) and are proof of how UHC programs can serve as vital mechanisms for improving the health and welfare of the country's citizens. The UHC strives to ensure that no family is forced into...

The report is based on analysis of the main facets and dynamics of poverty in Russia since 1997. The analysis was conducted over the past two years by Russian and international experts in the framework of the first stage of the program on "enhancing the measurement, monitoring, and analysis of...

The main objective of this report is to help policymakers in the Caribbean design an agenda of policy actions to accelerate trade integration and growth, and to reduce poverty. Each part of the report focuses on a key question and provides an in-depth analysis of the issues raised, laying the...