The COVID-19 crisis is not simply a global health disaster. Its socioeconomic impacts on poor communities and vulnerable countries threaten the very livelihood of the ones who need help the most. This week’s press review highlights these impacts around the globe.
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
About this publication
Discover each month on ID4D the “Development News”, with a brief overview of a topical issue, and the “Press review”, with a selection of web articles, reflections and analyses.