Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Government of Honduras launched a program called Bono Unico, or “Single Voucher,” to support its residents affected by COVID-19. The Single Voucher is a one-time subsidy of $82 dollars (2,000 lempiras) that can be redeemed for food, medicine, and/or medical supplies. In total, up to 260,000 people in Honduras are expected to benefit from the program in the next three months.

One challenge to execute the program is to find and deliver the voucher to those in need, many of them have no access to telephone lines and are difficult to reach. UNDP plays an important role in the identification and selection of the target population and the delivery of the vouchers. 

Led by the National Center for Social Sector Information (CENISS) and in collaboration with University of Oxford, UNDP developed a robust method to identify and select the target population. The method is called the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), which measures vulnerability of a person to COVID-19 based on different measurable factors, including his/her health and financial risks during the pandemic. By adopting MVI, UNDP can increase transparency and deliver the vouchers to those affected most by COVID-19.

The vouchers are distributed by electronic notifications sent to the mobile phones, which is a safe and fast approach. To increase the usefulness of the voucher and to extend the reach of the program, UNDP partnered with a major bank and mobile phone companies in the country to provide more options for voucher redemption, validate existing telephone lines, and enable those who do not have telephone service to receive the benefits.

To learn more about the program and the newly developed Index that measures vulnerability to the pandemic, visit: https://www.latinamerica.undp.org/content/rblac/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2020/honduras-launches-innovative-transfer-program-in-response-to-cov.html