The executive director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), Catherine Russell, denounced that the war in Ukraine has a “devastating impact” on children’s mental health and well-being: “It has been a year of horror for the boys and girls of Ukraine”Russell stated.
A statement published on the official Unicef website describes the unfortunate conditions of the children of Ukraine one year after the start of the war in that territory. “Millions of boys and girls go to bed cold and afraid and wake up wishing for an end to this brutal war. Many children have been killed or injured, and others have lost their parents and siblings, as well as their homes, schools and playgrounds. No child should have to endure this kind of suffering.”.
The text provides some statistics that help to understand the situation experienced by infants immersed in the war. According to Unicef, the percentage of boys and girls living in poverty has almost doubled, from 43% to 82%. In addition, 1.5 million boys and girls are at risk of suffering from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, among other mental problems. The effects of these conditions will remain in the long term.
According to Unicef, the situation is worsening because more than 800 health centers have been destroyed in the conflict zone. This situation leaves many infants and adults who suffer serious injuries due to the bombings without medical attention. Likewise, difficult access to health services prevents thousands of children from receiving vaccinations against diseases such as measles or poliomyelitis.
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peace is urgent
Against this background, the Executive Director of Unicef affirmed that “boys and girls need an end to war and lasting peace”. so they can “get back your lost childhood, get back to normal and begin to heal and recover.”
Russell has also said that “Until that happens, it is absolutely crucial that children’s mental health is given priority. Have their psychosocial needs addressed. This should include age-appropriate measures to provide loving and sensitive care, build resilience and, in the special case of older children and adolescents, give them the opportunity to voice their concerns.”
With information from: Venezuela News