Social protection in global crises: a gap between evidence and action

Correspondence to Dr Davide Rasella; davide.rasella@gmail.com Summary box The polycrisis era has resulted in global food price surges, shortages and worsened health outcomes, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. [...]austerity measures are expected to affect 85% of the global population in 2023, a rise from 80% in 2021.2 To mitigate the impact on population health, especially among the most vulnerable, social protection is essential. Natural disasters and resource insecurity caused by climate change increase stress within local communities, which can contribute to son preference, differential feeding, child marriage and gender-based violence.12 Research shows that women are up to 14 times more likely to suffer gender-based violence during a natural disaster.12 A vivid example of the interwoven consequences of climate change can be found in the Lake Chad Basin region in Africa. Notably, a 1% yearly reduction in each nation’s income inequality (Gini) index can have a more profound effect on global poverty than just a boost in economic growth rates.14 The COVID-19 pandemic brought the crucial role of social protection to the forefront.3 6 These social strategies not only reduced the repercussions of the pandemic but also helped address other interconnected crises such as poverty, and climate change.