Myanmar experienced multiple COVID shocks as well as a military takeover in February 2021. Impacts on household poverty remain uncertain, however, because large‐scale in‐person surveys were impossible during the pandemic and heightened internal conflict. We use ex ante simulation models and phone survey evidence to estimate the poverty effects of these shocks and identify factors correlated with them. While each approach has limitations, and cannot explicitly validate each other, they both indicate rising rural and urban poverty and capital‐depleting coping mechanisms. Wider use of simulation modeling could help mobilize social protection faster than waiting for survey results in emergencies.

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background Depression is an important potential comorbidity in persons with tuberculosis (TB), yet data in many settings are scarce.objective To estimate the prevalence and risk factors of depression in persons with multidrugresistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Myanmar. methods A cross-sectional survey among MDR-TB participants at Aung San MDR-TB treatment centre in Yangon during routine clinic follow-up visits. Patients Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in the local language was used to screen for depression and structured questionnaires conducted. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to identify associations.results Three-hundred and twenty-nine participants were enrolled between 19th December 2019 and 31st January 2020; 33% (111/329) in the intensive treatment phase. The prevalence of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) was (34/329) 10.33%. Multivariable analysis indicated financial hardship as a result of MDR-TB symptoms/treatment (aOR = 2.63, 95%CI: 1.12-6.67), suffering ≥1 respiratory symptoms (aOR = 6.72, 95%CI: 2.41-18.76), high education level (aOR = 4.26, 95%CI: 1.70-10.70), reported diabetes (aOR = 3.05, 95%CI: 1.16-7.99) as associated with depressive symptoms, with weak evidence of an association in females (aOR = 2.09, 95%CI: 0.94-4.65).conclusion Depressive symptoms are more common in those with comorbidities/TB symptoms. Further research is required to determine the effects of interventions to support persons with depressive symptoms identified using simple, standardised validated tools like PHQ-9.