Children’s welfare through COVID-19 response a priority

MANILA, Philippines — International child welfare organization Save the Children Philippines called on parents, caregivers and leaders of communities to give priority to taking urgent precautions to prevent exposure of children to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) amid cases of local transmission. 

Alberto Muyot, chief executive officer of Save the Children Philippines, said while most confirmed cases of COVID-19 are adults with pre-existing conditions, children can still be affected in various ways.

“Children are being separated when their parents and caregivers are being quarantined, or when confined in hospitals,” he said.

Muyot said schools should limit the impact of disruption to education through open, distance and online learning.

These learning methods maintain connection with students, provide psychosocial support and avoid isolation, he pointed out.

Dr. Cecilia Francisco, director of programs of Save the Children Philippines, said children seem to be escaping the worst effects of COVID-19 but they can be exposed to the potentially fatal virus when confined in hospitals and exposed to people who may have symptoms of the disease.

She also called on parents and caregivers to take advantage of the no-school days to spend quality time with their children at home, to play with them and read books.