New studies show that 1.5 million children across the world have lost a parent or a grandparent, or close relative due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Children have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the last years. Their mental health has been a challenge for parents, and the loss of a close relative involved in their upbringing is quite difficult to handle.
The research studies worldwide statistics
The study mentions the research methods involving mortality and fertility in more than 21 countries.
The associated deaths considered were those of parents, grandparents and other kin involved in the raising process of the children. The study revealed that more than 1.134.000 children experienced the tragic loss of a parent or grandparent. When we include other secondary caregivers, the number of children goes up to more than 1.5 million.
The results are not encouraging, and it shows that many children worldwide are now orphans. The study also showed countries where the death rate of a parent or grandparent is one per 1000 children: the U.S, Argentina, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Russia and South Africa.
Can things get better?
It is such a difficult question to answer, but health organizations and experts worldwide agree that vaccination is our best weapon against this virus. There are several COVID-19 vaccines available such as Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson &Johnson, Moderna, Sinovac, Sputnik and more.
The good news is that more vaccines are in trials. Also, health officials in different countries are thinking about the third shot for older people or immunocompromised people.
Immunocompromised people suffer from cancer or other diseases, or people who have suffered organ transplants. They have a weaker immune system, and different strains of the COVID virus might increase their need for hospitalization and long-term recovery
