Research Snapshot: The impacts of COVID-19 on humanitarian needs

How do vulnerable crisis-affected populations cope with the impact of the pandemic and COVID-19 preventive policy measures?

This study explored the impact of the pandemic on multi-sectoral humanitarian needs in seven countries: Afghanistan, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Central African Republic, Nigeria, Iraq, and Libya.

Findings showed that crisis-affected populations remain at serious risk of exclusion from essential services. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities in accessing services, as well as pre-existing barriers and underlying vulnerabilities. Adoption of preventive measures varies widely across countries and sub-groups and in association with a range of factors. The secondary and indirect impacts of public health policies have further increased the severity of needs.

Humanitarian actors must coordinate responses to increased needs at all levels. The indirect impacts of preventive public health policies on vulnerable groups must be considered in future responses.

NOTE: Country-specific briefings and reports were produced: this snapshot provides a synthesis and some key highlights of findings in all countries.

This snapshot contains key messages, findings, implications for humanitarian policymakers and practitioners and recommendations for further research.