The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF say the unprecedented and prolonged school closures in Africa, aimed at keeping students safe from COVID-19 are harming them in other ways.
They also urged governments in Africa to promote the safe reopening of schools, while taking measures to limit the spread of the virus.
A WHO survey of 39 countries in sub-Saharan Africa found that schools are fully open in only six countries.
It also found that schools are closed in 14 countries and partially open (exam classes) in 19 others.
In Eastern and Southern Africa, UNICEF found that violence rates against children are up, while nutrition rates are down with more than 10 million children missing school meals.
For girls, especially those who are displaced or living in low-income households, the risks are higher. According to UNICEF, following school closures triggered by the 2014 West Africa Ebola outbreak, pregnancy rates among teenagers in Sierra Leone doubled and many girls were unable to continue their education when schools reopened.
The long-term social and economic impact of extended school shutdown is also concerning. According to a World Bank modelling, school closures in sub-Saharan Africa could result in lifetime earning losses of $4500 per child. This may also be worsened by reduced earning of the parents who are forced to stay at home to take care of the children especially in households that cannot afford child care services.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti said schools have paved the way to success for many Africans, adding that they also provide a safe haven for many children in challenging circumstances to develop and thrive.
According to Dr. Moeti, “We must not be blind-sided by our efforts to contain COVID-19 and end up with a lost generation. Just as countries are opening businesses safely, we can reopen schools. This decision must be guided by a thorough risk analysis to ensure the safety of children, teachers, and parents and with key measures like physical distancing put in place.” WHO, UNICEF, and the International Federation of Red Cross have issued guidance on COVID-19 prevention and control in schools.
The guidance includes recommendations for physical distancing measures such as staggering the beginning and end of the school day, cancelling school events that create crowding, and spacing desks when possible. Others are providing handwashing facilities, wearing masks, discouraging unnecessary touching, and ensuring that sick students and teachers stay at home.