COVID-19 is the most terrific pandemic disease and the worst global crisis till now. Novel COVID-19 infected almost all countries and forced governments to lock-down them.
In India more than half a thousand of people are reported positive with the deadly virus and killed 9 till now. Every state is under lockdown and curfew. Air, land or water transportation is at rest.
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WHO on COVID-19
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. A pandemic occurs when a disease that people are not immune to spreads across large regions. Deaths from COVID-19 had crossed 16.5k mark globally, according to an AFP tally.
If it’s not get controlled now, then the situation of second most populous country INDIA would may be very critical. It would be more daunting for the old age and children, who always need care and precaution.
Covid-19 Effects on India
According to a 2016 report by the ministry for statistics and programme implementation, India has 103.9 million elderly, people above age 60, about 8.5 per cent of the population and 472 million children are the age of 18 years, representing 39% of the country’s total population. A large percentage, 29% of that figure constitutes children between the ages of 0 to 6 years.
Case Study in MP
It becomes more severe for states having the highest malnutrition levels. A study, published by Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, stated that Madhya Pradesh is among the top five states highest in the malnutrition levels in the country. Madhya Pradesh is continually working against the malnutrition, stunting and wasting like problems and the graph also being declined.
Rachna Rai supervisor of Women and Child development department of Vidhisha district said: WCD of Madhya Pradesh is continually working to eradicate malnutrition from the state. In this step we continuously visit houses to measure child weight.
If the weight comes under malnourished, we advised family to shift NRC (Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre) where children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) are managed. For the first fourteen days, the root cause of malnutrition is been checked and treated accordingly.
When results are not appropriate the NRC also extended for 21 days. The percentage of corona virus affecting children is minimum, advance precaution are been taken and if child showing any of the symptoms would be checked spontaneously.
Women and Child development and UNICEF in Madhya Pradesh are continuously working for the betterment of child health.
In this tragic situation of India due to epidemic disease COVID-19. Parents holds the acute responsibility of child extra protection and care. As being lock-down at home, becomes the most critical situation for the little ones.
Here are the few UNICEF guidelines for parents to treat their children in this situation.
UNICEF GUIDELINES to Deal with Children in Lockdown amidst COVID-19
1) Before giving a new start, ask what they already know regarding the matter.
2) The child has the right to informed truth, so never misguide them and always be honest. Don’t suppress their anxiety level and you should try to explain them in a child-friendly manner.
3) In a dance or poem form make them learn of frequent handwashing activity. Be at distance with the people having symptoms of cold and cough.
4) Reassure them regarding that they not into immediate crisis. Always make them feel free and relax them by playing.
5) Explain to them that corona virus had nothing to do with the looks and language.
6) Aware your children with stories regarding the health workers and community. This will give them immense comfort knowing people are working to fight against it.
7) While taking care of children, the most important is to take care of yourself.
8) At last, when you are wrapping up gives your children a level of satisfaction that you will be always with them.
UNICEF, for every child. Following these guidelines parents could give their child utmost care in this situation, when they really needs. Image source : telegraph
BY: Riya Maurya, Student at MCU , Fellow of MCU-UNICEF fellowship
Amisha Sharma 
Apoorv Agrawal 
Riya Maurya