Unicef SA revealed that almost 150 000 children were left orphaned due to COVID-19-associated deaths. Photo: Stock Image / Pixabay
Number of COVID-19 orphans in SA is nearly 150 000
Nearly 150 000 South African children were left orphaned due to deaths associated with COVID-19 according to Unicef SA.
Unicef SA revealed that almost 150 000 children were left orphaned due to COVID-19-associated deaths. Photo: Stock Image / Pixabay
Almost 150 000 children were left orphaned due to deaths associated with COVID-19, according to the latest data modelling from the Imperial College London. This number goes up to a massive 207 400 if children who lost their primary or secondary caregiver are included.
A number of kids have been impacted by the loss of loved ones
Muriel Mafico, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) South Africa’s Deputy Representative said that children’s lives’ have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways adding that those who lost their parents or caregivers will have deep scars that will last forever.
“With love and care, access to social protection, education and opportunities for growth and development, these children can recover, thrive and realize their full potential,”
said Mafico.
Unicef SA notes the negative affect death has on kids
Losing parental support and loved ones in childhood can have a long-lasting impact on both mental and physical health. These children who were left orphaned are more likely to experience violence, and abuse and have a higher chance of being neglected and exploited, said Unicef SA.
“A nurturing, protective and stable family environment at home is vital for positive childhood experiences, yet for orphaned children, this is too often a distant dream,” said Mafico.
SA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Unicef SA stated that vaccination continues to be the most effective manner to prevent serious illness or death. In June 2022, The Lancet estimated that 19.8 million lives were saved during the first year of COVID-19 vaccinations.
Unicef SA said it is extremely grateful for the support received towards the COVID-19 vaccine response from donors.
Covid-19 latest numbers: NICD update shows decrease in lab cases
Last month, it was reported that the weekly epidemiology brief for Week 33 of 2022 on the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) website makes for interesting reading.
As of Saturday, 20 August, a total of 4 009 943 laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 cases had been detected in South Africa.
Of these, 1 564 were cases reported since the last report (week 32 of 2022). There was a 4.9% decrease in the number of new cases detected in week 33 of 2022 (1 383) compared to the number of new cases detected in week 32 of 2022 (1 455). Read the full story here.
