World Health Organization is concerned the pandemic has disrupted the global health system, to the point little children will suffer. We had been doing well globally until now, with preventable deaths falling to 5.2 million from 12.5 million in 1990. But UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore says COVID-19 could increase infant deaths because mothers are afraid to seek professional help.
How Fear Is Causing COVID-19 to Increase Infant Deaths
Henrietta Fore explains this is partly because overrun healthcare systems are turning away child patients. But it is also because mothers are afraid to give birth at hospitals for fear of infection. She says we need to kick start these systems urgently. Or else ‘millions of children under five, especially new-borns could die’.
That’s because health services may no longer be able to treat causes of child death including preterm issues, low birth weight, complications during birth, and neonatal sepsis. Not to mention pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria, as well as vaccination for various diseases.
World Health Organization warns many countries are experiencing disruptions of their child and maternal health services. COVID-19 could increase infant deaths if it continues to obstruct health checks for children, and immunization services.
Half the World’s Countries Report Disruptions in Child Health Care
Further repercussions include disruptions in health services for sick children, and throttled-back services for management of malnutrition. WHO director Tedros Ghebreyesus says the fact that more children saw their first birthdays is a true mark of what we can achieve.
‘Now, we must not let the COVID-19 pandemic turn back remarkable progress for our children and future generations. Rather, it’s time to use what we know works to save lives. And keep investing in stronger, resilient health systems.’ COVID-19 could continue increasing infant deaths unless we, the people instruct our governments to follow his advice.
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