What is ADBs comparative advantage in social protection?
Social protection supports ADBs overarching objective to reduce poverty because it is through social protection programs that the benefits of economic growth reaches the poor and the vulnerable. ADB has provided social protection interventions over the years through loans, grants, capacity building, knowledge products and technical assistance. From 1996-2008, ADBs social protection loans amounted to about $2,295 billion, of which 45% were in social assistance,21% in social insurance, 17% in child protection, 14% in labor market, and 3% in micro and area-based schemes to protect communities. ADB also assisted affected countries through provision of projects on emergency relief and rehabilitation. In 2008, projects were approved to cushion the impacts of the food crisis. ADB has over 35 years of experience in the region and combines competence in many development areas with specific regional orientation. Apart from the regular business of managing funds and lending, ADB provides services
