New Delhi (NVI): UNICEF has expressed concern over the disruption of immunisation and basic health services due to the COVID-19 pandemic while observing that children from the poorest families in countries affected by conflicts and natural disasters are at the greatest risk.
UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore in a statement today said that the pandemic is overstretching health services as health workers are diverted to support the response around the world.
She said that physical distancing is leading parents to make the difficult decision to defer routine immunization.
“Medical goods are in short supply and supply chains are under historic strain due to transport disruptions. Flight cancellations and trade restrictions by countries have severely constrained access to essential medicines, including vaccines,” she said.
As the pandemic progresses, critical life-saving services, including immunization, will likely be disrupted, especially in Africa, Asia and the Middle East where they are sorely needed, the UNICEF Executive Director further stated.
“At the greatest risk are children from the poorest families in countries affected by conflicts and natural disasters,” she said.
The UNICEF is particularly concerned about countries that are battling measles, cholera or polio outbreaks while responding to COVID-19 cases, such as Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, the Philippines, Syria and South Sudan.
“Not only would such outbreaks tax already stretched health services, they could also lead to additional loss of lives and suffering. At a time like this, these countries can ill-afford to face additional outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases,” Henrietta said.
At a time, when social distancing has become a mandatory response, UNICEF has strongly recommended that all governments begin rigorous planning as soon as possible to intensify immunization activities once the COVID -19 pandemic is under control.
