Every emergency has a habit of throwing up fresh challenges which force us to re-examine our understanding of vulnerability and how best to respond. However, as shown in this issue of Field Exchange, our success in adapting and responding effectively to 'new' situations and conditions of vulnerability is variable. This highlights the fundamental importance of getting vulnerability analysis right. At the same time there appears to be no let up in our quest to improve our 'programming techniques'. All the field articles in this issue have lessons for improved programming and provide examples of innovative practice and thinking.
