How government and civil society can care for children affected by the pandemic

The second most populous country in the world is reeling under death and disease with no respite in sight. The second wave busted the myth that Covid-19 is an urban phenomenon, as 533 out of 741 districts were reportedly affected by the current wave. Also, our wrongly-placed confidence that children are somehow immune to Covid was shattered as the caseload among children rose across the country, which is an emerging and concerning narrative that should not be ignored. A possible third wave, long delays in inoculating a large population, including those under 18, could put millions of children at risk in the near future if preventive steps are not taken.

The first wave of the pandemic in India pushed approximately 75 million people into poverty (earning less than $2 or less per day) which represents nearly 60 per cent of the global increase in poverty, as per a study by Azim Premji University. 230 million Indians’ daily earnings are below Rs 375 ($5 per day), the minimum mandated daily wage suggested by a government-appointed committee.

A report by India Development Review says that, out of 159 organisations that were surveyed for Covid-19 second wave response, a whopping 71 per cent said that the biggest demand was for food and rations in the communities they work with. While half of the requests were for vaccine awareness and support, only 29 per cent asked for funding to provide oxygen and medical supplies. It is, therefore, evident that those living in poverty require a lifeline of support and the narrative emerging from the grassroots is clear – food to eat and money to survive. With millions of vulnerable people (for example, migrant labourers) already pushed into poverty, owing to the first wave of the pandemic, the resultant effect on children is unimaginable.