Poverty Reduction

Social Poverty

Pro-poor economic growth can effectively reduce poverty, provided it is accompanied by a comprehensive program for social development. Human capital is the primary asset of the poor. However their low standard and access to education, health and social protection is often blocking development opportunities.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) emphasize social outcomes for poverty reduction including gender equality (MDG 3), and focusing on poor children (MDG 4), mothers (MDG 5), and the elderly.

Coherent with a focus on pro-poor growth, ADB's Medium Term Strategy (MTS II) emphasizes educational and gender contributions to poverty reduction as comparative advantage for assisting partner countries.

View ADB's knowledge products and operational expertise on health, education, social protection, and targeting the vulnerable.