WHO urges safe reopening of schools in Africa as Covid-19 bites

By Staff Reporter(Education News Kenya — https://educationnews.co.ke/news/who-urges-safe-reopening-of-schools-in-africa-as-covid-19-bites)

Coming hot in the heels of unexpected distancing by the Cabinet Secretary for Education Prof George Magoha on Wednesday, the World Health Organization has urged African countries to reopen learning institutions amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement on Friday, WHO stated that closure of learning institutions have negative impacts on the learners, for instance, poor nutrition, stress, exposure to violence and exploitation, unplanned pregnancies, and child abuse.

“Girls from families living in low-income risks malnutrition, sexual abuse, and malnutrition,” reads the statement.

However, WHO is urging African countries to reopen learning institutions with strict adherence to the set protocols to avert the spread of the novel Coronavirus.

In a press release, WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshindiso Moeti said since time immemorial, schools have provided a safe haven for African children in challenging situations to develop and thrive.

“As countries are opening businesses safely, we can reopen learning institutions with strict guidance to the Covid-19 protocols to ensure the safety of learners, teachers, and parents,” added Dr Moeti.

WHO and UNICEF have issued guidelines on Covid-19 prevention which include; wearing masks, discouraging unnecessary touching, calling off school events, installing handwashing facilities, and providing enough space for social distancing.

However, the stated measures may not be possible to implement in Africa where most children attend schools where hygiene is a forgotten thing.