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

⇒The polycrisis era has resulted in global food price surges, shortages and worsened health outcomes, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.Addressing structural inequalities and prioritising social protection expansion can help reduce poverty, promote resilience and is essential for sustainable progress towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).⇒ The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted progress towards achieving the SDGs and pushed more people into extreme poverty.Prioritising social protection interventions can mitigate the impact of health crises on vulnerable households.⇒ Conflicts and forced displacement have hindered agricultural production and led to increased commodity prices, exacerbating poverty and malnutrition in already fragile areas.Social protection initiatives and food subsidies are crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty.⇒ Climate change poses severe risks to human health, with vulnerable populations suffering the most.Natural disasters and resource insecurity increase stress within communities and can lead to a rise in gender-based violence.Climate change strategies must prioritise social protection with a gender perspective to promote health equity.