The COVID-19 Pandemic in the IGAD Region: Impact on Health and the economy

• Rapid study - Overview of pre-COVID socio-economic situation and state of health services, outbreak and spread of pandemic, broad adverse health, economic and social impacts of pandemic and measures - based on review of continental and IGAD frameworks for health services, data from key multilateral organisations, quick country case studies and other studies. [...] • Reversal of progress in key SDGs: • Coming on top of locust infestation that affected most IGAD countries, lockdown/restriction related layoffs, closure of SMEs or loss of business, decline in remittances, disruption of supply chains, and consequent rise in cost of transport and food prices push many to fall below poverty line and further to destitution – may exacerbate inequality. [...] - In addition to increased health and emergency spending to protect public from pandemic, spending in economic support of HHs and firms affected by pandemic was essential – Fiscal: • Range and type of fiscal instruments used differ, partly to reflect country context and capacity – But, all gave emphasis to ‘saving lives and businesses’). [...] • Took series of quick fiscal measures to support firms and employment – tax and related measures to cushion businesses and the public from impact of pandemic. [...] In Ethiopia, state ownership of power, telephone and water utility companies and stock of houses (residencial and businesses) permitted use of certain measures: • Suspending payments of utility bills that directly benefited HHs and businesses; Provided relief on rents to occupying tenants.