Understanding the context
Across the Asia and Pacific region, humanitarian needs and vulnerabilities are increasing. The impact of climate change, protracted crises, and the health and economic shocks of COVID-19 continue to take a heavy toll on the world’s most populated region.
COVID-19 has exacerbated the humanitarian needs in the region, and even countries with fewer reported cases have still experienced severe impacts on livelihoods, household income, poverty and food security. The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in the region nearly quadrupled since 2020.
In many countries, the pandemic has also further constrained access to medical care for maternal and child health care, and increased the risk of child-protection issues in addition to sexual and gender-based violence.