This publication provides updates on Social Protection Indicators of 24 countries in Asia, with an analysis of 2015 data on social protection programs. It shows progress in expenditure, primarily driven by social insurance and coverage between 2009 and 2015. Spending on women has improved in several countries, yet others continued to favor the non-poor over the poor, and men over women. The Social Protection Index--now the Social Protection Indicator--was...

This gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) framework the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) operations in South Asia serves as a guide for effectively fulfilling GESI-related mandates as outlined in ADB's Strategy 2030. Developed through an extensive 2-year consultative process from 2020 to 2022, the GESI framework highlights the various dimensions of exclusion and vulnerability, including their intersections with gender inequality and each another....

The poor and vulnerable populations suffer disproportionately from the adverse impacts of climate change and disasters, which result in loss of life, damage to household and community assets, disruption of livelihoods, and loss of income. Solutions that recognize localized risks and address them in the context of wider socioeconomic development are needed. This guidance note underscores the importance of scaling up resilience-building measures through...

Globally, women are disproportionately impacted by climate change and disasters due to gender inequalities and limited participation in decision-making processes. Addressing this imbalance will involve integrating gender equality in laws and policies on climate change and disaster risk management and ensuring gender equality outcomes in building social and economic resilience. This report presents findings of a gender analysis of national legal and...

This is a guide for establishing and developing urban primary health centers (UPHCs) according to India's National Health Mission framework, and using public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements with nongovernment organizations. It can be used by all states, regardless of where they are in the development and realization of their strategy, policies, and processes with respect to PPPs in UPHCs. For states that already have such a program, this may...

This edition of the Pacific Economic Monitor discusses the outlook for 2021 and key issues for recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, including vaccine procurement and distribution.