ZIPAR ON COVID-19
By Reuben Chomba:
A study by the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research – ZIPAR- has revealed that the headcount of poverty levels in the country have worsened by 2-point 2 percent because of Covid-19.
ZIPAR Executive Director Herrick Mpuku says Covid-19 has further led to the poverty gap increasing by 2 percent.
Releasing findings of the policy brief study on the impact of COVID-19 in Zambia today, Dr. Mpuku said the main objective of the study is to understand the impact of the pandemic on poverty, inequality and government interventions.
Dr. Mpuku however stated that quick government intervention to stop the spread of COVID-19 has helped to minimize the social and economic impact on the country.
Meanwhile, Community Development and Social Services Minister Doreen Mwamba disclosed that government developed a response plan that focuses on providing essential services to the vulnerable in society to minimize the impact of COVID-19.
Mrs. Mwamba said government further introduced the COVID-19 emergency cash transfer that was launched in July 2021with the aim of helping the vulnerable.
She further disclosed that the COVID 19 emergency cash transfer has been implemented in 22 districts and its bearing fruit.
In a statement read for her by Community Development and social Services Permanent Secretary Pamela Kabamba, Mrs. Mwamba said government will adopt the recommendation of the study to help reduce poverty.