Geneva Palais briefing note on the impact of the deadly COVID-19 surge on children in India

Statement by UNICEF Representative Dr Yasmin Ali Haque

GENEVA, 7 May 2021 –  “India is in the grip of a ferocious second wave of COVID-19. In the last 24 hours, India bore the burden of 414,188 new daily cases, which is highest daily case count ever recorded by any country in the history of COVID-19 pandemic – higher than even the count a day earlier (412,262). There were 3,915 deaths due to COVID-19.

“UNICEF is very concerned about this deadly daily surge of in new cases. This wave is almost four times the size of the first wave and the virus is spreading much faster.  On an average there were more than four new cases every second and more than two deaths every minute in last 24 hours. With the surge in cases, the virus is also affecting more people across age groups including children and infants.

“What is happening in India should raise alarm bells for all of us. The pandemic is far from over. COVID-19 cases are rising at an alarming rate across South Asia, especially in Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Entire health systems could collapse, leading to more tragic loss of life. Very low levels of vaccination in most South Asian countries (less than 10% in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal) is adding to concern of the virus spiraling even further. Besides South Asia, we are also seeing alarming situations in other parts of the world.

“Along with the increase in COVID-19 cases, the impact on children being affected by the virus has also increased.  And of course the impact of the outbreak and public health and social measures on children is likely to be aggravated following the second wave. They are living through a tragedy.

“Children are losing parents and caregivers to the virus leaving many of them destitute, without parental care.

“While there isn’t enough data yet, we can see that illegal adoption pleas have surfaced on social media, making these orphans vulnerable to trafficking and abuse. UNICEF is calling for greater efforts to safeguard these orphans. We need to promote kinship care, family tracing, enhance functionaries and accelerate the sponsorship of destitute families.

“This surge is having dire consequences for children whose access to essential health, social, protection and education services is being constrained.

“Children are facing mental health issues and are at greater risk of violence, as lockdowns shut them off from their vital support networks. 

“They are missing out on life-saving routine immunization, critical care and treatment for pneumonia and other diseases.

“With 27 million births and 30 million pregnancies every year, life-saving services to help women give birth are critical in India. However, as health facilities continue to be overwhelmed treating COVID-19 patients, there are reports of pregnant women struggling to find the required support to give birth. 

“With half of children under five in India being malnourished[1], the present COVID-19 crisis could further impact child nutrition and service delivery across the country.  

“Schools across the country remain closed, and remote learning is also disrupted in several states. This is tearing 247 million children in elementary and secondary education away from these safe spaces, just when they need them most. In addition, many children do not have access to digital learning. Learning loss will therefore continue for children in India.

“We’re assisting the Government to ensure that critical services for the most vulnerable children continue to function across all states.

“UNICEF in India has been on-the-ground working tirelessly since the start of the pandemic.

“We have sent critical lifesaving supplies to support India at this difficult time. For example, we have 3,000 oxygen concentrators, testing kits and other critical equipment in place. We’ve sent additional critical lifesaving supplies to India, including 2 million face shields and 200,000 surgical masks. Additionally:

• 2000 more oxygen concentrators will arrive by the second half of May with another 2650 being procured.
• we support the regular monitoring of more than 50,000 COVID vaccination centres across 27 states of India

There are many more numbers showing the breadth of UNICEF’s support, and James will share those with these written final remarks.

“Let me end by speaking to how this dire situation in India is reverberating across the globe.  India is of course a global hub for vaccine production.  The soaring demand for COVID vaccines in India means that millions of doses intended for distribution to low-income countries cannot be exported. This leaves a significant supply gap, which increases the risk of further outbreaks and mutations.

“Much more is needed as the outbreak continues to spread rapidly.

“COVID has shown more than ever we are living in an interconnected world. India is under threat today. We need solidarity to prevent the situation from getting worse in other countries.  We are very thankful for the support and compassion from the international community. We need the compassion and contribution to continue until we see the end of the pandemic.

"To get ahead of the virus, we must also drive towards a strategy that truly enables equitable access for all. We need simpler Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) through voluntary and proactive licensing by IPR holders. Yesterday we saw great news from President Biden as he threw his support behind waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines.

"Such a breakthrough in the global fight against the pandemic that us makes us hopeful about effective international cooperation in seeing the end of the pandemic. Further, we welcome simpler IPR through voluntary and proactive licensing by IPR holders.

"As UNICEF’s Executive Director recently said, while markets alone can’t guarantee innovation benefits all, voluntary licensing, pooled funds and multilateral mechanisms such as COVAX are an effective and realistic way for product developers and manufacturers to collaborate, innovate, and encourage equitable access.

"And we must end vaccine nationalism. Governments should remove direct and indirect export- and import-control measures that block, restrict or slow down exports of COVID-19 vaccines, ingredients and supplies. Viruses respect no borders. Defeating COVID-19 in each of our home countries also means defeating it around the world by ensuring a steady flow of vaccines and supplies to all.

“UNICEF also needs $21 million for the urgent delivery of additional testing equipment, supplies and oxygen products in India. $50 million for lifesaving COVID-19 interventions.

“In the face of these new waves, it is more important than ever that we all follow COVID safe behaviours and protocols. Vaccines are no silver bullet. We still need to wear masks, maintain hand hygiene and practice physical distancing.”

"Thank You. I would be happy to take some questions."

[1] National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2020)