COVID-19 crisis: socioeconomic impacts as deadly as the virus

The COVID-19 pandemic strongly affects the most vulnerable. To help poor populations survive, cash programming is a valid response. But for this solution to thrive, countries must have existing social safety net structures or develop ways to target people in need.

“ Cash transfers lead the social assistance response to COVID-19  ” , Devex, April 14, 2020

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States triggered a strong anti-science movement. The same context of mistrust in the authorities and misinformation plagued the Ebola crisis in Congo.

“ Misinformation hampered Ebola response. The same thing could happen with coronavirus.  ” , The Intercept, April 6, 2020

Because of the global lockdown, the livelihood of poor families around the world is in jeopardy. Without any income or help, food shortages are a dangerous threat to childrens’ nutrition and could have long lasting impacts on their health.

“ Lockdowns threaten childrens’ nutrition: why extra care is needed  ” , The Conversation Africa, April 13, 2020

In Uganda, hunger lurks in refugee camps as the ratio of relief food distributed has been cut. With a significant funding shortfall, the World Food Programme is struggling to meet the needs of 1.4 million refugees. Activists fear the social consequences.

“ Food rations to 1.4 million refugees cut in Uganda due to funding shortfall  ” , The Guardian, April 14, 2020

In the Persian Gulf, millions of migrant workers are locked down in overcrowded neighbourhoods and face financial instability coupled with health insecurity. With a high percentage of foreigners amongst their labour forces, Gulf countries will have to face the downfalls on their economies.

“ Coronavirus Fears Terrify and Impoverish Migrants in the Persian Gulf  ” , The New York Times, April 13, 2020