Theme:
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Myanmar: Perceptions and Coping Strategies of Local People
Professor:
Dr. Zin Nwe Myint & Dr. Khin Khin Soe,
Professor, Department of Geography,
University of Yangon, Myanmar
Date: 23 September 2021 (Thursday)
Time: 19:00-20:30 (UTC+8)
Ø Main Points
- Three waves of the Covid-19 pandemic in Myanmar
- Perceptions and coping strategies of local people
Summary
The first part of the lecture presents a comprehensive study of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Myanmar. Myanmar is an agriculture-based and composed with various ethnic groups, where 25% the total population live in urban areas and 75% are rural population. Since March 2020, three waves of COVID-19 pandemic have hit the country, resulting economic and political turbulences. Under the harsh condition, the government of Myanmar continued to implement policies to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and to revive economy. However, the current situation of Myanmar is still precarious, threatened by the potential short- and long-term impacts on health, food security and poverty levels.
The second part of the lecture focuses on the perceptions and coping strategies of local people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some areas of the country have been particularly affected, such as tourism, manufacturing and international commerce. Due to the quarantine regulations of the government, the local people not only suffer from financial loss but also psychological pressure. As time goes by, however, people have got used to the regular preventative measures and are able to receive external support. The whole country is now prepared to hasten recovery in work and life.
Suggestions are also provided to promote equitable economic development in Myanmar, including projects to benefit the poor and the vulnerable households. (written by Ms. HUANG Ruihan)
*The views and opinions expressed in this lecture series are those of the guest lecturers. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the AUA or its members or its Secretariat.
