The Population Council conducts extensive high-quality policy, synthesis, and research activities in natural disaster settings worldwide.

Our work examines the impact of biological, climate, and weather emergencies on vulnerable populations.

Highlights

two people outside holding umbrellas

Utilizing demographic and geospatial data, this study examines the effects of the 2010 floods in Pakistan to identify demographic processes that contribute to vulnerability of populations at risk and their adaptive responses and resilience in high-risk flood events. Findings highlight the need to include demographic and health information in the analysis of natural disasters and demonstrate that data from population census, agricultural census, and other data sources can build a national overview on the impact of climate change.

five women sitting at a table looking at a computer

The Population Council—through Breakthrough RESEARCH, its flagship USAID social and behavior change implementation science project—assessed efforts responding to the Zika epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean to inform future programming for public health emergencies. Breakthrough RESEARCH reviewed program documentation, conducted in-depth stakeholder interviews, implemented an online survey, and assessed data collection instruments. Read the program brief with recommendations summarizing the lessons from this effort.