Myanmar | European Union instrumental in providing support to vulnerable women

In August 2020, a new surge in locally transmitted cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in Rakhine State and other regions of Myanmar. According to the Ministry of Health and Sports, as of 30 October, 50 403 confirmed cases have been reported in Myanmar, with 2 858 confirmed cases in Rakhine State.

Consequently, to control the spread of COVID-19, Myanmar’s government introduced measures such as stay at home orders, banning of public events and closure of schools, entertainment venues, restaurants, and religious institutions as well as well restriction of movement within the state/between townships.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), these measures, which were introduced on August 16, have affected the continuity of humanitarian operations. The measures introduced in Rakhine State have necessitated the introduction of new ways of working.

In response to the measures taken by the government of Myanmar, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has introduced stringent protocols to be used in its field operations for COVID-19 prevention and control such as the use of personal protective equipment, guidelines for physical distancing and hygiene, and basic awareness messages in its programming. These protocols will help ensure continued delivery of assistance.

In partnership with the European Union (EU), from 13 to 28 October 2020 the FAO has completed unconditional cash distributions to 1 513 pregnant and lactating mothers in Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Maungdaw, and Rathedaung townships in Rakhine State. The cash transfer for pregnant and lactating women (PLW) is complementary (top up) to the Government Maternal and Child Cash Transfer (MCCT). This cash will cover the nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating mothers and their infants. Along with these cash grants, face masks and bar soap were provided to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.