What's Next for Social Protection in Light of COVID-19: Country Responses

The COVID-19 crisis has had a huge impact on the world of social protection. The pandemic has alerted national governments and the international community to the urgency of accelerating progress in building and expanding social protection systems and programs to leave no one behind.

This special issue of Policy in Focus pays particular attention to experiences from countries in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the overall lessons for the future, including shock-responsive and universal social protection. It intends to communicate the urgency and importance of providing comprehensive and adequate social protection to all—especially in times of crisis.