On October 8, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) released a report stating that 68% of Myanmar's population, more than 37 million people, are in multidimensional poverty or face the risk of falling into it. The prolonged civil conflict, economic turmoil and natural disasters are cited as compounding factors.
Multidimensional poverty goes beyond money, measuring health, education and living standards as a combined index. According to the report, about 17.9 million people (one third of the population) are in poverty, and about 19.5 million are at risk of falling into it.
Poverty is concentrated in the populous Ayeyarwady Region in the center, Sagaing Region in the north, and Mandalay, the second-largest city. Poverty indices were reported to be high in conflict-affected areas such as Rakhine State in the west, Kayah State in the center and Chin State in the northwest.
Key points
- 68% of the population (over 37 million) in multidimensional poverty or at risk
- Poverty measured not just by income but by health, education and living standards
- Civil conflict, economic turmoil and natural disasters are compounding
Why this news deserves attention
Looking at poverty through health, education and living conditions, not only income, is a perspective emphasized in international cooperation.
Knowing the numbers is a first step toward paying attention to the lives of people in Myanmar.
Editor's comment
Behind the numbers are the lives of individual people.
Please read the original article for details, and consider looking into the work of organizations active in Myanmar as well.