A recent study published in The Lancet shed light on a tragic and irreversible impact of the global pandemic. The study estimates that, as of April 2021, 1.5 million children have been newly orphaned, having experienced the death of primary caregivers due to COVID-19.
We share this study to underscore the critical nature of the work we, the SPOON community, have undertaken together.
At SPOON, we remain steadfast in our commitment to serve these newly vulnerable children, and 250 million others like them around the world who live with disabilities or without family care. We are driven to expand our programs and “meet the moment”.
Below are some excerpts from the study. It is our hope that you take this news to heart, knowing that your participation in the SPOON community means that you are part of the solution to a pressing global need.
Selected excerpts from The Lancet study:
“We need to support extended families or foster families to care for children. And we need to respond fast because every 12 seconds a child loses their caregiver to COVID-19.” – Professor Lucie Cluver, Oxford University, UK, and University of Cape Town, South Africa
“We urgently need to identify the children behind these numbers and strengthen monitoring systems, so that every child can be given the support they need to thrive.” – Dr. Seth Flaxman, Imperial College London, UK
“The authors note that children experiencing COVID-19-associated deaths of parents or caregivers are at greater risk of family separation and institutionalization, such as being placed in orphanages or care homes. They argue this should be avoided because it has negative effects on social, physical, and mental development.”
“Orphanhood and caregiver deaths are a hidden pandemic resulting from COVID-19-associated deaths. [There is a] need for an additional pillar of our response: prevent, detect, respond, and care for children.”
