The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Rwanda delegate, Julianna Lindsey, commended Rwanda’s efforts to protect the rights of children, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as the world observed the International Day of the African Child on June 16th.
In some countries the pandemic triggered a shadow crisis in children’s rights. All schools have been closed since March 16 as a result of measures taken to contain Coronavirus, and are expected to resume in September.
The pandemic has led to children needing immunization and education, and can expose them to violence with little to no prospect of obtaining the support needed.
Every day, in cooperation with UNICEF, the Rwanda Education Board conducted on Radios and TVs classes for different levels of primary and secondary school to promote continuous learning.
Despite the lockout, parents were also encouraged to get immunization services.
Lindsey said in an interview that it is commendable that babies continue to receive routine services such as immunization.
“So far there is no major problem with how Rwanda is handling children rights during the pandemic. Some have been able to continue studies remotely with classes being aired on Radios and TVs,” she said.
She added that it is important to help children confront uncertainties surrounding the current situation and the pandemic by educating and sensitizing them.
“Children are taught to prevent Covid-19, they are educated and informed about the pandemic, which is a good thing for them,” she said.
Twenty years ago, 200 out of 1000 born children would not live to witness their fifth birthday. Today the number has shrunk to 50 children. Lindsey thinks the death rate could be reduced to zero.
She suggests that the government improve the standard of care and services provided to newborn babies for this reason. Enhanced infrastructure and professional nurses and carers can further enhance service quality.
“Small babies especially those who are born prematurely should be provided with better services. The government should plan with enough budget to improve such kinds of services,” she suggested.
However, Lindsey said the National Early Childhood Development Program will play an important role in bringing up children in a healthy and stable climate.