The most recent report from UNICEF, “Averting a lost COVID generation,” has been released, shedding light on the growing effects of the pandemic on children. Positioned right before World Children’s Day (20th November), this report is the first by UNICEF to disclose the mounting, serious consequences for children as the pandemic progresses.
Consequences of the Pandemic on Children
This essential report indicates that while infected children continue to display mild symptoms, infection numbers are climbing. It highlights the potential for long-term impact on education, nutrition, and overall well-being that could change the future trajectory of an entire generation of children and young people.
Data Analysis of Covid-19 Impact on Children
It was found that 1 in 9 reported Covid-19 infections are from children and adolescents. As of early November 2020, individuals under the age of 20 accounted for 11% of the 25.7 million infections reported across 87 countries. About a third of the countries analyzed have seen a 10% decrease in coverage of health services, with a striking 40% decline in nutrition services for women and children across 135 countries.
Rising Concerns in Our Society
These figures undermine the prevailing pandemic myth suggesting children are scarcely affected by the disease. Increased poverty rates and disruptions to vital services present a significant threat to children, and the ongoing crisis may deeply impact children’s education, health, nutrition, and overall welfare.
The Impact in India
As per data from the Indian Council of Medical Research, about 11.89% of Covid-19 cases in India belong to those under the age of 20. Approximately 1.5 million school closures have affected 247 million children enrolled in elementary and secondary education, and 28 million children attending pre-school education in Anganwadi Centres.
Increase in Child Vulnerabilities
An estimated 20 million children under five years of age are suffering from malnutrition, and over half of Indian women aged 15-49 years are anaemic. Despite these figures, the pandemic presents a severe risk to India’s recent progress in reducing the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR).
Influence of Sanitation on Child Health
The socio-economic stress and migration resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic have put toilet accessibility and usage at risk. While schools have previously provided improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, their closure has rendered these resources inaccessible.
Recommendations for Addressing the Crisis
The report suggests that the digital divide be closed to ensure all children continue learning. It recommends making vaccines affordable and accessible to every child, supporting and protecting the mental health of children and young people, and ending childhood abuse, gender-based violence, and neglect. It also calls for increased access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene; reversing the rise in child poverty; and doubling efforts to protect and support children and their families living through conflict, disaster, and displacement.
Observance of World Children’s Day
World Children’s Day is celebrated each year on 20th November to promote international togetherness, increase awareness among children worldwide, and improve children’s welfare. The date is significant as it marks the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. This convention recognises everyone under 18 years old as a child and is globally the most widely ratified human rights treaty. India ratified the Convention in 1992.