Safeguarding people living in vulnerable conditions in the COVID-19 era through universal health coverage and social protection

Among groups living in vulnerable conditions, the pandemic substantially magnified the inequality gaps, with possible negative implications for these individuals’ long-term physical, socioeconomic, and mental wellbeing. The recommendations presented in this Viewpoint article have been prioritised and agreed upon by the Lancet Commission on COVID-19’s Task Force on Social Protection, Humanitarian Action, and Vulnerable Group experts. This Viewpoint lists recommendations to protect vulnerable populations and reduce health inequities: (1) execute universal health coverage and social protection systems in every country, (2) at the country-level, ensure that governments and parliaments commit to financing and safeguarding health and social services to support universalism and equity, (3) provide digital equity for all, (4) boost care economy and take immediate steps to transform the current model, (5) re-energise relationships between government and civil society actors, and ensure communities, marginalized populations, and gender identities have a central role in decision making.