Unmasking the impact of COVID-19 on Asia’s most vulnerable children

The world is facing a global health and economic crisis unlike any, since the second world war — one that is killing people, spreading human suffering, and turning people’s lives upside down. But this is much more than a health crisis. It is a humanitarian crisis, and Asia’s children, especially the most vulnerable, are on the brink of severe hunger, increased disease, and physical and emotional safety risks. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is bringing societies to their knees, crippling their core.

This report provides key recommendations for governments, international cooperation agencies and multi-lateral and implementing partners to address and respond to, at national and local levels, the urgent socio-economic needs of vulnerable children, their families, and their communities. Governments are called to focus on and invest in the families of the most vulnerable children, ensuring access to healthcare and child-protection services, nutrition, education and financial resources. International agencies and institutional donors are called to invest in and leverage faith-based responses and economic recovery programmes that put seed capital in vulnerable households (HHs). Implementing partners are encouraged to contribute to rebuilding HH resilience and provide psychosocial support.