The impacts of the COVID-19 economic crisis are threatening the livelihoods and welfare of vulnerable households in Myanmar. Declining household income, from increases in unemployment and declines in remittances, can have negative long-term effects on the food and nutrition insecurity of households and the overall welfare of vulnerable populations. A deeper understanding of the social and economic impacts of COVID-19, through careful monitoring, can guide government, civil society, and development partners on policies and interventions to mitigate these effects. This virtual policy seminar will analyze the current welfare of Myanmar’s households, based on the results of recently conducted phone surveys and highlight potential actions for social protection to keep these vulnerable households from falling into – or deeper into – poverty.
Moderator:
Katy Webley, Fund Director, Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT)
Opening Remarks:
U Kyaw Swe Lin, Director General, Department of Planning, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MOALI)
Speakers:
Poverty and Food Security Impacts
– Derek Headey, Senior Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute
Nutritional Care Services
– Sophie Goudet, Senior Technical Advisor Nutrition
Sustained Impacts of Maternal & Child Cash Transfers
– Elisa Maria Maffioli, Assistant Professor, Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan
Panelists:
Daw Lwin Mar Hlaing, Director, National Nutrition Centre, Ministry of Health and Sports
U Kyaw Linn Htin, Director, Department of Social Welfare, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement
