We save the children

1. By Nathan Kikku Mubiru
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MUST)

2.  The Covid-19 pandemic, also known as the corona virus pandemic, is an ongoing
pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) caused by severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The outbreak was identified in Wuhan, China, in
December 2019. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health
Emergency of International Concern on 30 January, and a pandemic on 11 March 2020.
This outbreak has now spread to all continents and many countries including Uganda. In
response to the pandemic the President of Uganda together with the COVID 19 National
Response team implemented measures to prevent further spread of the Pandemic that
included total lock down on public and private transport throughout the country with
effect Mid March 2020 to date
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3.  Issues challenging adults mainly affect children more so those living with HIV/AIDS.
Outstanding challenges children in my perception as a child counsellor included;
 Lack of social relationships ,since schools and training institutions where the first to be closed
no Peers ,and student –Teacher support.
 Children had to stay safe together with the parents for a along time ,anxiety increased over
costs of living, many parents becoming too stressed over children’s un becoming behaviour.
 At the on set around mid March there was high costs/scarcity of food ,it was difficult
counselling a care taker on balanced diet. This therefore compromised nutrition on ARVs.
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4.  Some of the children had to travel to country homes since school was
no more, transport charges then increased so they had to walk long
distances home, this was coupled with curfew hours cousing a scare
to children who have not experienced it before
 Congestion in these homes causes self and public stigma due to non
disclosure of none adherence is then observed.
 Telephone Counselling has been used to attend to client’s concerns
but some would be off, absence of network ,lack of phone for some
clients and lack of genuine replies from the children.
 Gender based violence had affected children sexually, denial of rights
and Psychological torture.
 Anxiety caused by the nature of Covid 19 a asimilar disease like HIV
in it’s behaviour.
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5. Thank you f
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