Disparate health and nutrition impacts of income shocks across different household members: Evidence from Kyrgyzstan

BY KATRINA KOSEC AND LUCIA CARRILLO

The COVID-19 pandemic is hitting poor and vulnerable countries the hardest, poverty rates are increasing worldwide, and households are experiencing higher levels of income volatility. According to our new study focusing on Kyrgyzstan, such fluctuations can significantly reduce the health and nutrition status of children under 5. However, there is a silver lining: Income shifts can simultaneously reduce the incidence of overweight and obesity in adults (primarily women).

Photo credit: David Snyder/UN Women