UNICEF warns against other health crisis amid suspension of vaccination programs

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on April 28 warned that South Asian countries could face a greater health crisis if children across region are t given much-needed vaccine. vaccination programs in many countries have come to a halt due to coronavirus outbreak and United Nations body expressed concern about sudden disruptions. UNICEF said that around 4.5 million unimmunised children in South Asia are at risk of contracting diseases if life-saving vaccination programs are t resumed. 

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South Asia has two of world's last polio-affected countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to UNICEF, coronavirus outbreak has halted national polio vaccination campaigns in Pakistan and Afghanistan, while Banglesh and Nepal have postponed ir national measles and rubella campaigns. UNICEF said that many health facilities across South Asia that were responsible for providing vaccination to children have been shut and outreach programs have been suspended until furr tice.

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WHO on COVID-19's impact on children

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros ham Ghebreyesus held a virtual press conference on April 27 where he said that global health ncy is deeply concerned about impact pandemic will have on or health services, especially for children. Tedros said that children may be at low risk of contracting coronavirus, but y are facing a relatively higher risk of contracting or diseases due to suspension of vaccination programs in many countries. 

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"Every year, more than 116 million infants are vaccinated, or 86% of all children born globally. But, re are still more than 13 million children around world who miss out on vaccination. We kw that  number will increase because of COVID-19. Alrey, polio vaccination campaigns have been put on hold, and in some countries, routine immunization services are being scaled back or shut down," Tedros said in press conference. 

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(Im Credit: AP)