Covid-19 impacts 95% households’ income: World Vision survey

The shutdown measures enforced to contain the spread of Covid-19 in Bangladesh have badly impacted income of 95 percent households who responded to a countrywide study conducted by World Vision Bangladesh. 

Children, particularly those living in the most vulnerable rural and urban areas are at increased risk of both physical and mental health challenges due to social and economic disruptions caused by the Covid-19, it added.

The disclosure was made on Saturday in a new Rapid Impact Assessment report released by the World Vision.

An estimated 78.3 percent households' income has decreased after the closure of businesses or daily work due to the Covid-19 outbreak, reads a press release.

94.7 percent households have no or very limited food stock while 38.5percent of children and 58.9 percent of adults in the study areas reported having a maximum of two meals per day. A further 58 percent of households are passing days with less number of meals.

Almost 34 percent households do not have safe and clean water for drinking, cooking and cleaning while another 50 percent households do not follow the hygiene rules such as hand washing due to lack of hygiene kits and inadequate water sources, the report also showed.

The study was conducted in 52 upazilas under 8 divisions where 2,671 adults and 1,616 children aged between 12 and 18 have participated.

In Bangladesh, children account for about 45 percent of the national population and of these, 46 percent live in absolute poverty, with one-quarter living in extreme poverty.

"We are worried about these children especially those below the age of 5 who are at greater risk of preventable infections such as malnutrition that may increase infant mortality in the country," Chandan Gomes,  Interim National Director of the organisation, said.

"I'm worried about the 87 percent of children who report feeling isolated at home and an additional 91.5 percent who are worried about Covid-19."

He said in the study, they have seen an increase in the number of children who have become extremely vulnerable to diseases such as malnutrition due to reduced food stocks in almost all our operational areas located in 26 districts and 57 sub-districts.

"We need immediate attention to address issues affecting children during this time, including the children living in the Rohingya camp and the host communities in southern Bangladesh."

Immediate action is needed to ensure access and availability to products and services needed to adequately address their concerns, he added.