This webinar is part of IPA's RECOVR Webinar Series: Bringing Evidence to COVID-19 Policy Responses in the Global South. Together with our partners, we are using this series to rapidly share what we are learning with the policy and research community to support evidence-informed response efforts. More information about other events in the series is available here.

How has COVID-19 affected Zambian and Rwandan families, workers, and business owners over time? How are students and families adapting to changes to education and potential learning losses? What portion of respondents is interested in getting vaccinated? How is each government responding to these challenges, how have messaging strategies persisted or changed over time, and what can decision-makers in both countries learn from each other?

These and other questions have been at the forefront of decision-makers’ minds while forming policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Zambia and Rwanda. Tracking how people’s lives are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can enable policymakers to better understand the situation in their countries and make evidence-based policy decisions.

On March 29, 2021, this webinar shared findings from the second round of IPA's RECOVR survey in Zambia and Rwanda—a panel survey designed to inform decision-makers about the communities that are hardest hit by the economic toll of the pandemic. The Chronic Poverty Advisory Network (CPAN) presented findings from newly collected qualitative data on the impacts of COVID-19 on those living in or near poverty as part of the Poverty Monitor Initiative in Zambia. In addition, the session covered how policymakers are using survey findings to continually adapt their responses to changing demands and chart an economic recovery. 

Elliott Collins (IPA) presented on the RECOVR survey methodology and IPA’s approach to equipping government partners with critical data for timely decision-making. Salifu Amadu (IPA) and Leodomir Mfura (IPA) discussed findings on health, social protection, employment and economic activity, and education in Zambia and Rwanda, respectively. Dr. Joseph Simbaya (University of Zambia) presented CPAN’s research findings on the impoverishing impacts of COVID-19 in Zambia. Dr. Godfrey Biemba (National Health Research Authority, Zambia) provided commentary and policy perspectives from government partners, as the pandemic continues past the year mark. Tamara Billima-Mulenga (IPA) moderated the discussion.

Watch the webinar recording below:
 

Panelists

• Dr. Godfrey Biemba, Director and Chief Executive Officer, National Health Research Authority, Zambia
• Leodomir Mfura, Research and Policy Coordinator, IPA Rwanda
• Salifu Amadu, Country Representative, IPA Zambia
• Dr. Joseph Simbaya, Director, Institute of Economic and Social Research, University of Zambia
• Elliott Collins, Director of Poverty Measurement, IPA

Moderator

• Tamara Billima-Mulenga, Policy Manager, IPA Zambia