ADB – Preparing for Disease X

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released a report examining the gendered impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Pacific region, offering lessons to prepare for future health crises. The study highlights that women faced increased risks of infection, higher incidences of gender-based violence, and decreased access to clinical services during the pandemic. It emphasizes the need for gender-inclusive preparedness and response strategies to mitigate such disproportionate effects on women and girls. The report recommends reinforcing gender-disaggregated data collection, enhancing social protection measures, and ensuring equal vaccine access to build resilient health systems capable of effectively addressing future outbreaks.