Asian Development Blog

The poor in Asia were already dealing with major challenges even before the COVID-19 health crisis. Photo: ADB

We Need Better Social Protection to Safeguard the Poor from COVID-19

Millions of families who were already poor and vulnerable before the COVID-19 outbreak face impossible decisions about food, healthcare, and survival. We have a responsibility to act immediately and protect those most in need.

Amir Jilani

After years of work by the people of Aceh and their development partners, those affected by the 2004 tsunami have achieved remarkable progress.

Leverage Development Experience to Beat COVID-19

COVID-19 is uncharted territory but development professionals bring a wealth of experience from past crises to rebuild lives, livelihoods, and economies.

Ramesh Subramaniam

When the COVID-19 outbreak struck Asia, many Pacific islands restricted incoming air and sea traffic. Photo: Nils Grimm

In the Pacific, Urgent Action is the Key to Addressing COVID-19

Pacific nations, led by the smallest and least well-off, moved decisively to restrict travel from a fast-growing list of COVID-19 affected countries.

Emma Veve

Healthy lifestyles and livable cities are an important part of warding off the next pandemic.

Let's Take Bold Action on Health to Avoid Future Pandemics

The COVID-19 pandemic could be an opportunity to take a more holistic approach to health and well-being, invest in health systems and in resilient supply chains.

Susann Roth, Najibullah Habib

Policy makers can take direct action to help developing economies in Asia avoid a credit crunch.

How Can Asia Avoid Fallout if COVID-19 Triggers a Debt Crunch?

Asia’s economies have generally maintained sound macroeconomic policies that can help the region withstand this latest challenge and emerge even stronger.

Cyn-Young Park (朴信永)