Persistence of COVID-19 'devastating' for children in poorest areas of the world, NGO warns

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is certainly impacting the world as we know it, but according to non-governmental organization (NGO) Educo, it is devastating most especially for children in the poorest areas of the world.

In a press statement, Olga Rodriguez, country Director of Educo Philippine explained: “In order to avoid transmitting the coronavirus, it is vital to wash your hands various times a day. This simple gesture saves lives, but if there is limited to no access to clean water in the homes, schools, and communities, the virus will spread very quickly.”

Educo also expressed concern on the children's access to nutrition, saying children often depend on the meals they receive daily in Educo schools. With schools closed, children may suffer from undernourishment.

"Many of these children live below the poverty line, on less than one dollar a day... Without money or savings, the families are unable to buy food, medication, and other essential goods," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez added, "school closures affect the children’s right to education. They do not have the technological resources necessary to continue learning in this situation."

The persistence of COVID-19 may also affect their parents' ability to send them back to school, "because of the families’ lack of economic resources, children will probably have to work."

Like plenty of organizations, businesses and even individuals in the Philippines, Educo is coordinating "the distribution of hygiene kits, which include soap and detergent, and the distribution of food among the families who need it the most."

Turning their attention to underprivileged children, the NGO is helping them continue with their studies through radio and other platforms. It is also working to provide psychological support to children to help them better understand how to deal with the current COVID-19 threat.

The NGO has been working with children and their communities in Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon and Zamboanga City.

As of Saturday, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country increased to 3,094 with 144 deaths and 57 recoveries, according to the Department of Health. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News