Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 16) — Local governments must ensure children with parents or guardians who have been infected with the novel coronavirus will not suffer from neglect and abandonment, a child welfare group said.
“[T]he health crisis may also lead children to risks of neglect, abandonment, violence, and exploitation through a loss of or separation from primary caregivers,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, chief executive officer of Save The Children Philippines.
The organization also called on local officials to provide protective measures for children who may be discriminated after their caregivers test positive for coronavirus disease.
COVID-19 positive patients, families, and health workers have experienced stigma even before mass testing has been implemented, it explained.
Among the instances the organization cited was a health worker in Sultan Kudarat getting attacked with bleach on the way home last month.
Following the incident, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered police and military to watch out for those might assault frontliners.
A rise in cases of discrimination and physical violence against health workers and COVID-19 patients has also been observed by the Metro Manila Council, which is made up of the region’s top officials. The council has called for passage of local ordinances punishing such acts.
READ: Metro Manila mayors want to punish discrimination of health workers, COVID-19 patients
Save The Children Philippines said local governments should ensure children keep receiving care from trusted adults even after their parents and guardians get isolated or hospitalized because of the virus.
“It is preferable for these children to be placed in the care of their closest relatives, but in case this may not be immediately possible, alternative care must be provided.” said the organization.
Community guidelines must also integrate the specific needs of children with disabilities should their parents and guardians get infected, Muyot added.
“We call on local leaders to provide child-friendly, gender, and disability sensitive information to help children know how they can protect themselves from getting infected by COVID-19, be protected from abuse and exploitation, and where to report and seek help,” said Muyot.
