One in eight infants brought into the world this year, were born into conflict, says UNICEF. Calling the figure shocking, UNICEF Canada’s Meg French says “these are children who are born to pregnant mothers who are in danger of giving birth without medical help, in unsanitary conditions where there’s risk of infection for both themselves and the baby.
More likely to die before age five
“What we know about babies born in this context is that they’re more likely to die before they reach their fifth birthday. And they’re more likely to experience extreme or what we call toxic stress which is stress that can inhibit their long-term emotional and cognitive development.”
Listen‘Generation at risk’
Children also face malnutrition which is equally devastating. French notes these babies joined another quarter of a billion children already caught in conflict. Their health, education and wellbeing are at risk. “So we really do have a generation at risk,” she says.
Canada helps
Among the worst-hit countries, UNICEF mentions Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Iraq, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The Canadian government took a leadership role on maternal health issues and child survival programs in developing countries. With the change of government in October, French hopes Canada’s new government will also provide assistance in reproductive health.
UNICEF also hopes Canadians will continue to donate, particularly given that the Canadian government matches the funding they provide.
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