The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has vastly impacted the lives of children around the world – from isolating lockdowns and uncertainties to watching their loved ones fall ill and sometimes die from the disease. To provide coping support and explain the science behind the pandemic to children, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings (IASC MHPSS RG),[i] co-chaired by the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, produced a storybook called “My Hero is You: how kids can fight COVID-19!”. The book aims to help children aged 6–11 years to learn how to protect themselves, their families and friends from COVID-19, and support them in managing difficult emotions related to the pandemic.
The storyline is based on the experience of 1700 children, parents, caregivers and teachers from 104 countries who shared how they were coping with the pandemic. The book tells the story of Ario, an imaginary creature, who helps children disseminate information on COVID-19 to their friends, and teaches them to care for one another through these difficult times. The book was initially translated into six languages and is now available in 143 languages as well as in braille transcripts and sign language interpretations. [ii] Over 50 adaptations exist in creative outlets such as animations, puppetries, audio files and colouring books.[iii] The storybook, based on collaborative, evidence-informed efforts, is a unique resource to foster the mental health and psychosocial well-being of children everywhere amid the pandemic.
[i] IASC Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings (https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/iasc-reference-group-on-mental-health-and-psychosocial-support-in-emergency-settings).
[ii] IASC. My Hero is You: Storybook for Children on COVID-19. March 2020 (https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/my-hero-is-you).
[iii] IASC. Adaptations of "My Hero is You!" Country level initiatives (https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/adaptations-my-hero-you-country-level-initiatives).
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