The COVID-19 pandemic has no boundaries and presents an extreme threat to Somaliland and the world at large. WHO has reported new and more infectious strains of COVID-19 contributing to the rising number of new cases globally.
The Somaliland government stepped up its mitigation mechanisms, including nomination of a committee led by the Vice President, the implementation of lockdown measures, closure of airports and borders among others that have affected food value-chains, international trade, and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs), which are the main source of livelihoods for the bulk of the Somaliland population.
Mitigation measures such as lockdowns in other parts of the world have affected the remittances stream. The pandemic continues to challenge a vast number of communities, presenting a colossal test to the leadership and humanity. In addition, it has disturbed livelihoods, increased morbidity and mortality and overwhelmed Somaliland’s health systems. The COVID-19 Socio-Economic Assessment report is an effort to understand and document the socio-economic effects and impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has on urban households. The report shows that the pandemic negatively affected the population’s economic, health and education sectors and the vulnerable population.
