Asian Development Blog

Menstrual health needs to be mainstreamed into development projects through infrastructure, water supply, sanitation, and menstrual materials. Photo: ADB

Breaking Taboos: Four Ways to Support Menstrual Health in the Pacific

Menstrual health is a fundamental aspect of personal well-being. Embedding menstrual health into urban development, water, sanitation, and hygiene programs will reduce inequalities, increase access to education and employment, and improve the overall health of women, girls and others who menstruate.

Maria Tran, Kate Walton

To keep Pacific islands in pristine condition, action must be taken at multiple levels. Photo: ADB

For Clean Islands and a Clean Ocean in the Pacific, Start with Solid Waste Management

Solid waste challenges in the Pacific must be addressed at the island, regional, and ocean level.

Jingmin Huang

In the Pacific, measures to prevent money laundering often inadvertently harm small businesses. Photo: ADB

Protect The Poor When Fighting Money Laundering in the Pacific

The risk of “de-risking” – the process of international banks disassociating from financial partners, such as small remittance providers and local banks – is that it could push people out of the financial system completely.

Lotte Schou-Zibell

Ports play a crucial role in Pacific economies. They need to operate more efficiently to meet their changing requirements. Photo: ADB

It’s Time to Get Smart with Pacific Ports

Harnessing advanced smart port technologies can enhance physical and economic resilience of “lifeline” ports in the Pacific.

Alexandra Pamela Chiang, Bas van Dijk, Cha-Sang Shim, Gabriella A. Bazzano, Josef Hargrave

In geographically dispersed Pacific atoll nations like Kiribati, women lack access to many needs including opportunities in the lucrative fishing industry. Photo: ADB

In the Remote Atolls of the Pacific, Women Struggle for Basic Resources

The immense distance between islands in the Pacific creates challenges for accessing resources, particularly for women. Targeted policies, tailored for their needs, are required.

Ritu Verma

In many countries, COVID-19 has pushed people toward the use of digital tools such as mobile devices for financial transactions. Photo: Quaid Lagan

COVID-19 Has Created Digital Opportunities in the Pacific

The pandemic is changing consumer behavior and expectations in the Pacific, particularly when it comes to using digital tools for financial transactions.

Lotte Schou-Zibell, Nigel Phair

Hand washing and other basic hygiene can be challenging on Pacific island where water is scare. Photo: Nathan Dumlao

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Key to Pacific’s Ongoing COVID Strategy

Pacific island nations have been among the top performers worldwide in controlling COVID-19. A greater emphasis on water, sanitation and hygiene practices will help continue that success.

Jingmin Huang

Waste management is particularly important in fragile island communities. Photo: Dustan Woodhouse

In the Pacific, COVID-19 is Changing the Way We Think About Waste Management

The pandemic is producing more household waste and increased amounts of dangerous medical waste. We need to manage these changes for our immediate safety and for the long-term welfare of our communities.

Anupma Jain