Each year 2 billion people face health threats because they are exposed to crisis situations. Relief, recovery and long-term development efforts that address the needs of populations affected by epidemics, genocide, and natural disasters like the December 26 tsunami depend on the effectiveness of communication efforts for their success.

"Health Communication in Fragile States and Humanitarian Emergencies" was the topic of a day-long symposium held July 25, 2005, at AED, in conjunction with the George Washington University Center for Global Health.