More children infected with Covid-19

THE NONGOVERNMENTAL organization called “Save the Children Philippines” has raised concern over the increasing number of children infected with the Covid-19 and is calling for immediate action and protection by the government and general public.

It said the number of reported cases of children and adolescents already infected with the deadly respiratory disease is alarming, especially now that the Delta variant poses grave risk and could infect more.  

 

Citing initial data presented by health authorities, it said over 48,000 children ages 19 and below, have Covid-19 as of February this year where 40.2% are from the 15-20 years old age group; 17.4% are ages 5-9, and 18.5% are ages 4 and below. Globally, children account for up to 15% of confirmed cases.

 

While children may not belong to the “high-risk groups” and most Filipino children infected with Covid-19 remain to be mild as studies show, there is a growing concern that the highly contagious Delta variant is more fatal to children, especially to those with co-morbidities or who are less than one year old since their immune response is either compromised or not yet developed.

 

“The symptoms of children should not be disregarded. Children with Covid-19 generally have milder effects and better prognosis than adults but those who have underlying diseases have higher risks to experience severe illnesses,” said Dr. Cecilia Francisco, Director for Thematic Programs of Save the Children Philippines.

 

Since inoculation of children against Covid-19 is not yet a government priority and the country is still far in achieving herd immunity, the Save the Children called on adults to get vaccinated and the sooner this is done, the greater chances for children and adolescents to rise in the priority list.

 

It said while adults are prioritized for vaccination, children must also continue to receive other life-saving immunizations and health nutrition services necessary for their survival.

 

“We call on the government to ensure that all children will have safe and inclusive access to basic childhood vaccines and receive routine immunization for vaccine-preventable diseases, even at the time of pandemic,” said lawyer Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines.

 

“We also emphasize our call to parents, guardians, caregivers, and communities for them to act more responsibly around children by strictly adhering to the minimum health and safety protocols to protect themselves and their children from the imminent threats of the Delta variant,” he added. (Rhoderick Benez and Malou Cablinda)