Population data help policymakers and others determine how much and what type of aid is needed — and where to direct it — before, during, and after humanitarian crises and complex emergencies. But resource-poor countries face especially large challenges in collecting and using their own national, regional, and local data to respond to calamities or plan development initiatives. TOOLS AND METHODS FOR ESTIMATING POPULATIONS AT RISK FROM NATURAL DISASTERS AND COMPLEX HUMANITARIAN CRISES, a new report from the National Research Council, says national governments and relief organizations around the world should value this kind of information and train relevant practitioners in their own countries to successfully apply it. The report also recommends ways to improve the quality of population data.
Reporters can obtain copies by contacting the Office of News and Public Information at tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail news@nas.edu. Advance copies of the report will be available to reporters only beginning at 10 a.m. EDT on Thursday, March 29. THE REPORT IS EMBARGOED AND NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BEFORE 4 P.M. EDT, THURSDAY, MARCH 29.