Income security during public health emergencies: the COVID-19 poverty trap in Vietnam

► The COVID-19 poverty trap is shaped by barriers to accessing prevention, vulnerability to economic disruption and financial uncertainties, and incurrence of catastrophic costs as people try to cope with the outbreak.► To ensure socioeconomic stability and confidence during public health crises and in the long run, social protection schemes (e.g.social insurance, microfinancing) must be in place to help people cope with the loss of income security and reduced confidence in society.