The unprecedented and prolonged school closures aimed at keeping students safe from COVID-19 are harming them in other ways, WHO and UNICEF recently said in a joint statement. The organizations urged governments in Africa to promote the safe reopening of schools while taking measures to limit the spread of the virus
A WHO survey of 39 countries in sub-Saharan Africa found that schools are fully open in only six countries. They are closed in 14 countries and partially open in 19 others. Around a dozen countries are planning to resume in September, the start of the academic year in some countries.
The impact of extended education disruption is significant. It includes among poor nutrition, stress, increased exposure to violence and exploitation, childhood pregnancies, and overall challenges in mental development of children.
In Eastern and Southern Africa, UNICEF finds that violence against children is up, while nutrition is down with more than 10 million children missing school meals, with risk being higher for girls.
The long-term social and economic impact of extended school shutdown is concerning. According to the World Bank, school closures in sub-Saharan Africa could result in lifetime earning losses of US$ 4 500 per child.
WHO, UNICEF and the International Federation of Red Cross guidance includes recommendations for physical distancing measures such as staggering the beginning and end of the school day, cancelling school events that create crowding, spacing desks when possible, providing handwashing facilities, wearing masks, discouraging unnecessary touching and ensuring that sick individuals stay at home.
WHO and UNICEF also recommend regular handwashing, daily disinfection and cleaning of surfaces, basic water, sanitation and waste management facilities, and environmental cleaning and decontamination.