COVID-19 and social protection of poor and vulnerable groups in Latin America: a conceptual framework

The growing crisis caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic has dire implications
for Latin American societies. As is often the case, the most vulnerable sectors of
society —especially those living in extreme poverty— are being hit the hardest. This
article identifies strategies and specific responses designed to achieve three goals:
(i) reduce epidemiological risks to save lives; (ii) protect livelihoods; and (iii) ensure human
capital accumulation. Epidemiological externalities, as well as humanitarian concerns,
demand universal social inclusion. In order to protect the lives, health, livelihoods and
human capital of the poor and vulnerable, it will be essential to: implement targeted
and decisive interventions at the local level that go beyond transferring cash; allocate
adequate resources to fund income support and other key interventions; and involve
on local actors and grass-roots organizations for the interventions to be effective.