The use of information and communication technologies in the health sector lags behind its use in many other parts of the economy, yet the advantages and potential savings are evident. Policymakers can do much to help close the gap.

Output is projected to fall by 3.5% in 2009 and by a further 0.25% in 2010 before recovering at a slow rate in 2011. The unemployment rate is expected to peak close to 20% in 2010. Inflation may rise temporarily in 2010, reflecting higher oil prices and projected value added tax increases, but is expected to fall to close to zero in 2011. The decline in housing transactions has levelled off and the fall in house prices has flattened.

The global crisis and how to get growth and development back on track led the agenda as ministers from MENA and OECD countries gathered at Marrakech in Morocco on 23 November 2009. In our ninth OECD Observer ministers' roundtable, we asked representatives from four MENA countries-Morocco (as hosts of the ministerial meeting), Bahrain, Egypt and Yemen-and from three OECD members-Italy, Korea and Spain: "What action is your government taking to help improve development prospects in the MENA region?"

Ministers responsible for employment from around the world gathered at the OECD on 28-29 September to discuss the jobs crisis. In our eighth OECD Observer ministers' roundtable, we ask six representatives, from Canada (co-Chair), Italy (co-Chair), Sweden (vice-Chair), France, New Zealand, and Chile, which is a candidate for OECD accession: What new policy actions are you taking to improve the jobs situation in your country?

Output is projected to fall by 4.2% in 2009, with the rate of decline slowing as the year progresses, and by 0.9% in 2010. The unemployment rate will reach about 20% in 2010, and inflation will fall to near zero.

GDP is projected to fall in 2009, as residential construction continues to contract, before recovering modestly in 2010. Unemployment will continue to increase substantially. Inflation should recede as a large negative output gap opens up and commodity prices moderate, while falling imports should significantly reduce the current account deficit.

Cristina Narbona Ruiz takes up her post as the new ambassador for Spain. She succeeds Fernando Ballestero Díaz.

Both the size and the relative incidence or frequency of the foreign-born population have increased in all OECD countries since 1995. So while there have been large increases in traditional migration countries such as the US and New Zealand, there have also been sharp rises in Denmark, Korea, Ireland, Italy, Norway and Spain, where inward migration has recently taken off.

Economic growth is likely to slow in 2008 and 2009, as residential construction falls. Private consumption may decelerate, reflecting lower employment gains and tighter credit conditions. From a peak in late 2007, inflation should decline as demand pressures moderate.