In the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) statement that stipulates the country’s cost of living for June 2021, the Jesuit scholars say the economic hardships are "characterized by high poverty, high unemployment and low-income levels among others."
They add that the situation has been worsened by the increased inflation rate.
Zambia has recorded a 24.6 percent inflation rate, an increase from the 23.2 percent recorded in May this year, according to the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZSA).
The onset of the third wave of the COVID-19 which has presented "additional household expenditures (and) exacerbated the plight of the most vulnerable and marginalized," the Jesuit scholars add.
The landlocked country has recorded 186,279 cases of COVID-19 including 3,113 deaths and 173,320 recoveries.
In the July 18 statement, officials of the Jesuit research institute express concerns about the high cost of living saying it is "beyond the reach of many Zambians."
As a way to improve the country’s economy, the Jesuit scholars call upon the government to ensure that the population is vaccinated against COVID-19.
"JCTR urges the government to not only enforce the existing COVID-19 guidelines but also garner its mobilization efforts to secure adequate vaccines for all Zambians irrespective of social or economic status. This is imperative for the nation’s economic recovery," the Jesuit scholars say.
Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.
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