WHO and UNICEF warn of damage caused by school closures due to coronavirus

As Argentina prepares to end the school year with virtually no face-to-face classes, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday defended the need to keep schools open during the coronavirus pandemic and considers that interlocks can be avoided if the protective measures.

“We must ensure the education of our children “, WHO Director for Europe Hans Kluge said, stressing that children and adolescents are not the main drivers of contagion and that closing schools is not effective.

Kluge also noted that the lockdowns are “a waste of resources” and that they cause many side effects, such as mental health damage or an increase in gender-based violence, and that if mask use exceeds 90 % in people, they would not be needed.

Since the start of the pandemic in Argentina in March, the Government has decided to close schools and, despite claims that have grown over the months, it has remained firm in the decision to “take care of the health” in above the possibility that the boys will resume face-to-face lessons.

Just a few weeks ago it started to allow non-school activities in outdoor spaces, which has already been implemented in the city of Buenos Aires and parts of the province.

Inside the country, some provinces have tried to return to normal development of face-to-face classes after the winter holidays, such as San Juan, but have quickly retreated due to the outbreak of infections.

UNICEF warns of ‘the lost generation’

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned this Thursday in a new report on the increasing consequences for children as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.

Although symptoms in infected children remain mild, the number of infections in this population group is increasing and the long-term impact on the education, nutrition and well-being of a whole generation of children and children. young people can change their lives. lives, said the report titled “How to Avoid a Generation Lost to COVID “.

Published before World children’s day, held on Friday, is the first UNICEF report to detail the dire and growing consequences for children as the pandemic enters a second year.

“Disruptions to key services and rising poverty rates pose the greatest threat to children.” The longer the crisis (COVID-19) persists, the more profound its impact on education, health, nutrition and the well-being of children. The future of an entire generation is in danger, ”said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore.

Regarding school closures, the report says that while children can pass the virus to each other and to older groups, there is strong evidence that, with basic safety measures in place, the net benefits of keeping schools open outweigh the cost of closing them.

“Schools are not the main driver of community transmission, and children are more likely to contract the virus outside of school, ”the report said.

Using new data from UNICEF surveys in 140 countries, the report warned that COVID-19-related disruptions to essential health and social services, including basic nutrition, routine immunizations, outpatient care for childhood infectious diseases, maternal health services and home visits by social workers are the most serious threats to children.

UNICEF calls on partners and governments to provide basic education for children, to ensure and increase their access to nutrition, clean water, sanitation and basic mental and physical health services (including vaccines), curb increasing child poverty and ensure an inclusive recovery for all.

The agency also advocated for redoubled efforts to protect and support children and their families living in situations of conflict, disaster and displacement.

“On this World Children’s Day, we call on governments, partners and the private sector to listen to children and prioritize their needs,” Fore said. “As we all reimagine the future and look to a post-pandemic world, children must come first.”

With agency information.

JPE