The Swiss voice in the world since 1935
Top stories
Stay in touch with Switzerland

NGOs warn of inequalities in developing countries due to Covid

Three pairs of hands and disinfectant spray
Many respondents said they found it difficult to follow simple hygiene rules, such as disinfecting their hands regularly, to halt the spread of Covid. Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

People in developing countries have less to eat and saw their income drop as result of the Covid-19 pandemic, a survey by an alliance of NGOs from Switzerland and other European countries found.

More than 40% of respondents from developing countries said they experienced a decrease in food quantity and quality notably in the poorest parts of the world, according to the Alliance2015External link network, which included the Swiss aid organisation, HelvetasExternal link.

Three in four respondents reported a reduction in income. Women reported a higher reliance on remittances, petty trade and men had to resort to more casual labour..

A third of the respondents also reported a worsening of their health and almost 28% were not sure whether their children will return to school when they reopen again.

Most respondents said they were aware of the measures to reduce the transmission of infections but one in four found it difficult to respect the rules.

The survey was conducted in 25 countries around the world, covering 16,000 people between October and December last year.

Popular Stories

News

Attack on Doha: Switzerland denounces violation of Qatari sovereignty

More

Foreign Affairs

Switzerland denounces Israeli strike in Qatar

This content was published on Switzerland slams Israeli Doha attack as 'a clear and unacceptable violation of Qatari sovereignty and territorial integrity'.

Read more: Switzerland denounces Israeli strike in Qatar
Council of States against Switzerland recognising Palestine

More

Senate against Switzerland recognising Palestine

This content was published on The Swiss Senate does not want Switzerland to recognise the state of Palestine at present. On Tuesday it rejected an initiative by canton Geneva calling for this.

Read more: Senate against Switzerland recognising Palestine
UBS economists do not expect a recession in Switzerland

More

UBS economists not expecting a recession in Switzerland

This content was published on If US tariffs remain at the current level, Swiss GDP growth could be noticeably lower than previously assumed, according to a UBS study. However, a recession is not expected.

Read more: UBS economists not expecting a recession in Switzerland

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR