Countries in the western Pacific have been hit hard by the pandemic, despite largely being able to keep widespread transmission at bay.

Yet according to a report by World Vision, the economic impact is feared to be great - including for children.

Experts say unless urgent action is taken, the development of countries like Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea risks being set back a decade.

Worldwatch's Max Towle talks to RNZ Pacific reporter Walter Zweifel.