Paris, Beritasatu.com– The United Nations (UN) stated that the disruption to health services due to the Covid-19 pandemic has endangered millions of lives worldwide. In a statement on Wednesday (9/9), the United Nations warned that Covid-19 could reverse the progress made in reducing child mortality that has been made over the past few decades.
The past 30 years have seen tremendous progress in preventing or treating the causes of infant mortality, including preterm birth and pneumonia.
The new death toll published by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Bank found that in 2019, the global number of under-five deaths was at its lowest.
Last year, an estimated 5.2 million children died from preventable diseases, compared with 12.5 million in 1990.
However, the three agencies warned that the Covid-19 pandemic risks thwarting that achievement after the cessation of routine health services for children and mothers.
A UNICEF survey in 77 countries found that 68% of respondents reported at least some disruption in child health checks and immunizations.
UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said children and mothers, especially in low and middle income countries, were denied access to health services because the Covid-19 case hampered national infrastructure.
“Without urgent investment to restart disrupted health systems and services, millions of children under five, especially newborn babies, could die,” he said.
Source: Voice of Update
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