The spread of COVID-19 in Guinea Bissau could have a catastrophic impact on the entire population, particularly on vulnerable individuals including migrants. Located in West Africa, Guinea-Bissau is one of the worlds’ lowest ranking countries in terms of poverty, governance and development. Guinea-Bissau's Human Development Index value for 2018 is 0.461— which puts the country in the low human development category—ranked 178 out of 189 countries in 2019. In this context, an inadequate national response to COVID-19 could have crippling effects on an already weak and susceptible environment.

​

Guinea-Bissau has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted economic activity and led to a deterioration in the external and fiscal positions. The authorities’ immediate priority has been to limit the impact of the pandemic and preserve macroeconomic and financial stability. Health spending was increased, and measures to protect the most vulnerable and support the agricultural sector are being implemented.

​

To alleviate the impact of the pandemic and preserve macroeconomic stability, the government has taken several actions to increase health spending, strengthen social protection to the most vulnerable and support the economically relevant cashew sector.