The factsheet explains how global aid shifted during the Covid‑19 pandemic. Donors increased overall support, but the poorest countries saw only a small rise, leaving many still vulnerable. Some governments stepped up, while others cut back, showing uneven commitment. A growing share of aid is now given as loans rather than grants, raising concerns about debt burdens for countries least able to repay. The report stresses that aid remains a lifeline in times of crisis, but its impact depends on how fairly and sustainably it is directed.