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African Children Vulnerabilities in COVID-19 Era: A Review
Sewanou Raymond Aigba1, Olivia Paul2, Marie Lamarque3
1Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès, France.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to African children, impacting healthcare systems and exacerbating food insecurity. Proactive strategies are crucial to mitigate long-term vulnerabilities and prepare the continent for future health crises.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges to vulnerable populations worldwide.
- African children face multifaceted risks beyond direct viral infection.
- Socio-economic and health system factors heighten child vulnerability in Africa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the vulnerabilities of African children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To examine the impact of pandemic control measures on children.
- To propose strategies for mitigating long-term health risks.
Main Methods:
- Thematic review based on medical, socio-economic, and anthropological studies.
- Analysis of pandemic effects on children, healthcare capacity, and parental infection.
- Examination of long-term consequences including food security and obesity.
Main Results:
- Pandemic control strategies strain African healthcare systems, affecting children.
- Infection of caregivers disrupts family structures and economic stability.
- School closures increase risks of overweight and obesity in children due to altered food security.
Conclusions:
- African children exhibit multi-level vulnerabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Addressing food security and overweight risks is critical for child health.
- Proactive measures are essential for preparing Africa's health systems for future pandemics.
Abstract:
The pandemic of COVID-19 has spread from China to the whole world. Here we address the vulnerability of African children in the context of this health crisis. Based on medical, socio-economic and anthropological studies, we present a thematic review that examines the issue at three levels. Firstly, we address the question of the effect of the virus on children in regard to strategies implemented to limit its spread and the capacity of medical devices in Africa. Second, we address the issue of the additional disruptions that the virus could generate by infecting the parents or guardians of children who often find themselves subject to the disquietudes of an informal economy. Finally, we discuss the long-term effects of the crisis on children about food security issues, particularly in relation to overweight and obesity. Based on studies that have documented the long-term overweight risks that can occur due to school cessation as a result of lockdown measures, we provide strategies to address this emerging public health problem in Africa. We conclude the study by suggesting that all these forms of vulnerabilities remain proactive areas of work to better prepare Africa for future pandemics.
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