The unique and populous Asia-Pacific region is made up of 58 countries of which 12 are classified as least developed countries (LDCs) under the United Nations classification. This means they are recognised as countries that have "low levels of income and face severe structural impediments to sustainable development". Given their underlying vulnerabilities, the countries and populations of the Asia-Pacific bear the brunt of the uneven effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As we have seen, the pandemic exposed common fragilities of under-resourced and inadequate health, economic and social systems across the Asia-Pacific region. This demanded major overhauls within the limited capacities of Asia-Pacific nations who are still fighting against extreme poverty, to achieve sustainable development, and the existential threats due to climate change. As a result, governments have had to divert funds and increase external borrowings to boost their stimulus packages in response to the pandemic.
