Myanmar, once a beacon of hope in Southeast Asia with a growing middle class, now faces a dire situation as civil war drives millions into poverty, according to the United Nations.
Nearly half of Myanmar’s 54 million people live below the poverty line, with almost 50% surviving on less than 76 US cents a day, a figure that has doubled since 2017.
Three years after a military coup, economic conditions have sharply declined, risking the extinction of the middle class. Families are cutting back on essentials due to soaring inflation.
Conflict has deepened poverty, particularly in conflict zones, disproportionately affecting women and children. The coup triggered instability and violence, reversing years of progress in reducing poverty.
The situation is dire, with urban areas like Yangon and Mandalay experiencing significant distress. Immediate interventions are needed to prevent irreversible poverty and despair.
