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May 2003 New Critical Countries Fund Being Established The 18 Council offices outside the United States house more than half of the Council’s staff, who hail from over 40 countries. These offices represent the Council’s core presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, South and East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and West Asia and North Africa, and they are the springboard for Council activities in over 70 countries. Many of these countries face considerable population challenges and lack the capability to meet them. Through the generous support of a diverse range of donors, the Population Council is able to address complex problems in some of the poorest areas. Council researchers in the fields of biomedicine, public health, and the social sciences are experienced in building trust, often in the face of daunting circumstances. Their work continues to further the Council’s reputation for first-rate, evidence-based scientific research, technical assistance, and capacity building. Many organizations move into and out of countries, depending on which projects attract funding or on changes in program emphasis, donor interest, or political disruptions. Momentum is lost when activities must be suspended. The Population Council’s offices in countries such as Pakistan have remained open throughout several periods of turmoil, maintaining relationships with government and nongovernmental organizations and sustaining collaborations that have proven effective in improving reproductive health and other services. However, at any given time, one or more countries in which the Council is working may reach a critical juncture when the need for assistance is compelling yet resources to continue are unavailable. Unrestricted funds can provide stop-gap funding for Council field offices to continue some projects, but such funds are extremely limited. Most of the Council’s resources are earmarked for specific programs and projects. Contributions designated for the Critical Countries Fund as a whole, rather than for any specific country, will give the Population Council flexibility to channel resources to where they are most needed, address immediate concerns, and anticipate emerging problems. Current priorities include such countries as Cambodia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Pakistan. For additional information about the Critical Countries Fund, please contact Ruth Kalla Ungerer, director of development, at 212-339-0515 or rungerer@popcouncil.org. See Also
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