Socioeconomic Impact of COVID-19 on Sudanese Households
Format
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Sudan, like the rest of the world, has been experiencing the unprecedented social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sudanese authorities attempted to act quickly in the face of the spreading virus. In March 2020 the Government established a high-level emergency committee to oversee the operations to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government imposed closure of schools, airports, ports, and land crossings; banned travel between states; and prohibited mass gatherings. A partial lockdown was imposed in Khartoum State in mid-March 2020. Restrictions on movement are expected to make the economic situation worse, with commodity prices soaring across the country. The rapid spread of COVID-19 in Sudan and the Government’s containment measures could negatively affect household welfare including loss of employment and income, decreased access to basic commodities and services, and food security. The COVID-19 pandemic will likely worsen living conditions, particularly among the poor and vulnerable Sudanese.