The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic has contributed to immense global health and socio-economic difficulties. In comparison with older populations, the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 on small children are ambiguous, with lower mortality and morbidity but no definitive evidence supporting dissemination during pregnancy. Studies on the effects of past disease outbreaks and hazards suggest there will be rate increases of childhood hyper-inflammatory shock. A much greater percentage of children are at risk of developing catastrophic physical, psychological, emotional, and cognitive effects throughout their lives. Therefore, it is important to promote organized, multi-sectoral initiatives in which states with low-and middle-income population could obtain global support to increase critical interventions. Otherwise, the epidemic will continue to have the potential to mitigate the considerable progress made in preventing mother-to-child transmission programs, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, a region where prenatal infection rates keep rising.
The pandemic has also placed early childhood education in serious risk. The closing of learning institutions which provide young children with social security, health, nutrition, education, and socio-emotional care is a major threat to their potential growth. The scenario is compounded by the lack of connectivity for youngsters to school mates, teachers, social workers as well as the safe haven and programs offered by schools. The most disadvantaged children – particularly refugees, immigrants, and offspring who are left homeless, lacking parental care, live on the streets and urban slums, those with disabilities and residing in conflict-affected areas – are of special concern. The rising economic insecurity would also increase the danger of child labor, forced marriages and child exploitation. Nevertheless, special attention should be directed to the well-being of the young generation.
It is, therefore, important for appropriate institutions to implement the programs which will provide effective services to families with young children. They must also support the policies which can reduce the short and long term effects of COVID-19. First, healthcare and financial help are important and must be applied simultaneously. Viable economic support (e.g. via child welfare, higher cash transfers) must be supplemented by emergency assistance provision, as transfer-based health insurance can improve child health and development. Such initiatives must be matched by funding for the well-being, mental health and the ability to provide care for young children.
Second, distribution platforms which are able to access the families with young children, should respond to the ongoing pandemic by depending on the background of the region, health, nutrition, or social welfare within the communities. The types of role shifting, additional training, and pursuing extra resources which have been successful in responding to HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis could serve as an example the COVID-19 scenario. Qualified health personnel, coordinated within the healthcare system together with religious and social groups, must be involved to reach huge numbers of people at home to provide information, critical health support programs and recommendations.
Third, the particular complexities of COVID-19 require more convergence of family support with the reality of distance, quarantine, and separation, COVID-19-related awareness could accompany Early Childhood Development Program (ECD) awareness and encourage parental well-being and proactive treatment. When distancing within homes is suggested, detachment of young people from guardians must only happen when strictly necessary; contact between children and caregivers must be established when strictly necessary. Education programs must be put in place to guarantee these children are also in contact with their educators. The crucial role the teachers play in ensuring learning continues is the major lesson learned during the epidemic. Much depends on tutors to make sure children receives education in some secure and healthy surroundings and compensating for the knowledge and skills which may have been wasted.
From the above information, it is clear children are the most affected whenever a disaster strikes. However, in this Coronavirus era, this could be an appropriate time to seek ways of promoting social harmony within the populations and nations impacted by violence and conflict. The effects of the pandemic are being felt by the entire human race, therefore, the society must unite and fight this deadly virus.