The Government created, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Action (MGCAS), a response plan to support the neediest families and those in a vulnerable situation during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The plan, which is implemented by the National Institute of Social Action (INAS), provides support to 1,582,179 vulnerable people in urban, peri-urban and border areas, but excludes vulnerable families residing in rural areas that they are also directly and indirectly affected by the effects of the pandemic.

The exclusion of populations residing in rural areas can contribute to the increase in poverty and vulnerability of these populations, not only in this period of pandemic, but extended to the social and economic consequences in the medium and long term.

The social protection sector in the country is also characterized by lack of transparency and reporting of cases of corruption and embezzlement. The emergency situation due to COVID-19 constitutes a fertile field for cases of diversion and misuse of public funds, harming those who effectively need this support for their survival.