The COVID-19 pandemic has increased hardship around the world and worsened poverty levels in many countries, including Myanmar. The compounding impact of the events since 1st February has further exacerbated these trends in Myanmar, which have been measured by various macro-level indicators, including expected impacts on economic growth in the months to come. A considerable number of households have faced reduced income since February 1, 2021. This has led to decreased food consumption and reliance on savings. Coping strategies include cutting back on non-food items and selling assets like gold, jewelry, livestock, and motorbikes.

This People’s Pulse survey, the first comprehensive household survey with national coverage in Myanmar after the military takeover in February 2021, provides a lacking data on how the double crisis is impacting Myanmar’s people at the family and even individual level in terms of income poverty and general vulnerability. This survey is conducted via telephone interviews with 1,200 respondents in May and June 2021 and offers representation for the entire Union, encompassing all States and Regions, as well as both urban and rural areas. Over half of the interviews were conducted with women (54.3 percent compared to 45.7 percent of men).