Significance
The World Bank Group has rushed to make country response funds worth USD12bn available on a fast-track basis. The diversion of resources and equipment has undermined efforts to tackle COVID-19 in many countries.
Impacts
The diversion of COVID-19 resources will disproportionately affect the poor and marginalised groups who cannot afford private provision.
COVID-19-related corruption scandals will increase public frustration and fuel protests.
Misuse of COVID-19 funds will make it harder for revenue-strapped governments to persuade Western donors to provide further aid.
