The COVID, April 6 -- 19 pandemic is intensifying the vicious circle of inequality. To break this pattern and give everyone a fair shot at prosperity, governments need to improve access to basic public services-such as health care (including vaccination) and education-and strengthen redistributive policies.

For most countries, this would require raising additional revenue and improving the efficiency of spending. These reforms must be complemented by greater transparency and accountability, which can help increase overall trust in government and contribute to more cohesive societies.

Inequality was a pre-existing condition that worsened COVID-19's impact. Disparities in access to basic services have contributed to uneven health outcomes...