Angaw, K. W. (2021). Policy responses and social solidarity imperatives to respond the COVID-19 pandemic socio economic crises in Ethiopia. ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research, 279-287.
Overview: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global and regional socio-economic development, affecting vulnerable segments, especially in developing economies like Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate public administration’s policy response measures and social organizations’ role in addressing the crisis.
Methodology: This study used a qualitative research approach and reviewed literature from various sources, including journals, policy briefs, press releases, and government press releases. Data was collected from various sources, including Google Scholar, and synthesized using thematic analysis. The findings provide valuable insights into the socioeconomic crises and response strategies in Ethiopia during this challenging time.
Finding: The pandemic has had a multidimensional impact on global public administration, affecting the economy, daily livelihoods, and poverty. Ethiopian public administration has implemented policy response alternatives, with social organizations playing a crucial role in social solidarity.Â
The pandemic has posed unprecedented sociocultural challenges, particularly in the country where social gatherings and ceremonies are common. The State of Emergency banned such gatherings, resulting in sociocultural crises and psychosocial trauma. This has worsened living conditions, with homeless individuals and street children exposed to the most diversified socioeconomic risks.Developing economies with less developed health systems are likely to face more challenges and remain vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic compared to advanced economies.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethiopian government restrictions and lockdowns impacted vulnerable groups, including those who could not afford to stay home. Social organizations played a crucial role in providing help to the needy, as they shared common values and shared socio economic burdens. Despite resource limitations, the Ethiopian government has effectively prevented and controlled the pandemic by achieving better results in resource mobilization, collaboration, and interoperability among line ministries, government departments, partners, local networks, donors, and stakeholders.Â
Conclusion: The policy responses given by the public administration to alleviate the socio- economic crises caused by the pandemic have both success and limitations. Social organiza-tions played a paramount role in alleviating the COVID-19 socio-economic crises on vulnerable and disadvantaged groups