The plight of children in COVID- 19 fight

By Hillary Murani.

Gathoni Gikonyo, a mother of one, feels that the government is not handling children in their COVID-19 mitigation plan adding that she has not heard of any children mass testing.

“I don’t think the government is considering integrating children in all of their plans to control the spread of COVID-19. I have not even heard them plan on mass testing for children. The only point I have heard of them discuss about children is on school reopening protocol, but we haven’t heard on how they plan to keep them safe while in school.’’ she noted.

While the government through the ministry of health may have laid down several measures to help in the control of the Coronavirus, Grace Waithira a mother of two said parents and guardians have a responsibility over their children in light of their respective surroundings.

“I think the government’s directives are very clear on how to care for the children. It may not be written down but it’s implied. The old adage says that it takes a village to raise a child and so the community has the social responsibility to ensure that children keep safe and do not get infected. However, parents and guardians have the greatest responsibility over their children to guide them during this pandemic since they are familiar with their respective surroundings.’’  She said.

Josie Nguri, a mother pointed out that though the Ministry of Health had issued a guideline on healthy nutrition and snacking it was left at the discretion and cost by parents.

“Apart from online learning, other childhood needs are being ignored like freedom to play and get physical exercise. They also need some exposure to sunlight for their health but there are no guidelines to do.’’ added Nguri during an Interview with The Insider

Nguri felt that though the ministry hadn’t put much effort, they had done a commendable job when it came to guidelines on child health services like vaccination during the pandemic.

Michael Kabuthia cited that apart from Kenya’s government initial tact in combating the virus by shutting down schools however little has been done to cater for the children.

“I think the government got it right by closing all the institutions at the onset of the Corona virus in Kenya but beyond keeping the children in-house there’s very little the administration can do in regard to securing the child’s health. It then goes without saying that it’s the parent’s responsibility to safeguard their children.’’ He said.

Additionally, Mr. Kabuthia felt our health facilities are not prepared enough adding that the efforts in building our immunity for both the children and elderly should also be put in consideration. 

“There is Zero preparedness in our health facilities taking care of the children.  I would pray that all efforts be put to building our immunity and twice as much effort for children and the aged.’’ He quipped.

On the other hand, Susan Kagiri pointed out that besides psychosocial impact, cases of defilement and abuse are on the rise.

In a statement to newsrooms, the Joining Forces Alliance for children in Kenya (JFA-Kenya) in collaboration with Child Fund Kenya, Plan International Kenya, Save the Children Kenya, SOS Children’s Villages Kenya, Terre des Hommes and World Vision Kenya said that in their commitment to working with and supporting children to have their voices heard during decision making processes on all matters that concern children, they are involved in undertaking COVID-19 response activities targeting to reach an estimated 1,200,000 children.

The Joining Forces Alliance for Children in Kenya initiative has embarked on distribution of personal protective gears and other amenities in an aim to support the Government of Kenya’s efforts towards fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in 39 Counties.

While their combined efforts will contribute to the reduction of impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Children in Kenya, JFA-Kenya said they are however concerned that there is no COVID-19 Child Protection Standard of Operation Procedures to guide the provision of child protection services during this pandemic and that there is no comprehensive report on the Situation of Children in Kenya ever since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Kenya.

Additionally, the group wants the government to develop guidelines for Child Friendly Mass Testing, and National Psychosocial support programme for Children and sustain the provision of quality health services.