IPA Statement at 74th World Health Assembly, Agenda 17 on WHO's work in health emergencies and strengthening preparedness for health emergencies and Agenda 18 on Mental health preparedness for and response to the COVID-19 pandemic
The International Pediatric Association (www.ipa-world.org) believes every child has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, and the opportunity to grow, develop, and fulfill his or her human potential. One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts are needed to support the health care and related needs of the world's children and their families. There are urgent needs for health and mental health services for children, adolescents and families; to ensure accurate information is available to professionals and the public; and to ensure essential services for other health priorities as well as for COVID-19 are accessible to all.
IPA is collaborating with WHO and UNICEF to address child health and COVID-19. Technical assistance by professional societies and consultation to identify priority needs for guidelines are a model for strengthening and coordinating efforts by member states, for issues ranging from the effects of school closure on children's cognitive and social development, to novel viral variants and changing patterns of COVID-19 in children.
Our national pediatric societies and technical experts are ideally situated to disseminate relevant content to front-line health care workers providing child and family health care in public and private primary care and pediatric specialty care settings. Our national pediatric society members already see children and adolescents in crisis, with increased anxiety and depression, children separated from parents/caregivers, gender-based violence, and widespread disruption of education, employment, food supplies, and family and community support.
The long-term effects of COVID19 on physical and mental health are also being seen, and these will require increased access to health care and basic needs of physical and mental health services, especially for vulnerable populations. The stresses and trauma of COVID19 in childhood and adolescence should not be allowed to become a lifelong chronic health issue. Equity and justice is needed, for vaccine access, and also for physical, developmental, and mental health services provided, alongside with online education for children unable to attend in-person classes.
We urge member states to: work with WHO and child health professionals to monitor and provide technical support for post-COVID health systems; include and prioritize mental health care in governmental strategies and programs for COVID19, and enact social protection programs and policies to support families, especially those living in poverty, so that countries can 'build back' post-pandemic health systems that are truly responsive to children's needs.