New UN study reveals severe deterioration in health of women, children and adolescents

A new UN report shows that the health of women and children is facing challenges globally, due to conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, wreaking havoc on future of children, youth and women.

The report shows a serious regression in almost all key indicators of childhood wellness, and in many key indicators of the Sustainable Development Goals.

 Since the last ‘Every Woman Every Child’ report in 2020, food insecurity, hunger, child marriage, risks of partner violence, and adolescent depression and anxiety have increased.

It is estimated that 25 million children received no or inadequate vaccinations in 2021 — 6 million more than in 2019 — increasing their risk of fatal or severe disease.

Millions of children were absent from school during the pandemic, many of them for more than a year, while nearly 80% of children in 104 countries and territories have lost their education due to school closures.

Since the start of the global pandemic, 10.5 million children have lost a parent or guardian due to COVID-19.