It is “vital” to address the fears and anxiety experienced by children during times of uncertainty
A COLLABORATION between 50 mostly humanitarian sector organisations has led to a story book that helps children understand and cope with Covid-19, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Collaborating organisations included the WHO, United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Save the Children.
The book is titled, My Hero is You: How Kids Can Fight Covid-19.
“The book is aimed primarily at children aged six to 11 years old, and is a project of the inter-agency standing committee reference group on mental health and psychosocial support in emergency settings,” said the WHO via a statement.
During the early stages of the project, more than 1 700 children, parents, caregivers and teachers from around the world shared how they were coping with the Covid-19 pandemic, added the organisation.
“In order to reach as many children as possible, the book will be widely translated, with six language versions released (on Wednesday) and more than 30 others in the pipeline. It is being released as both an online product and audio book.”
WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said previous humanitarian emergencies had taught the collaborating organisations that it was “vital” to address the fears and anxiety experienced by children during times of uncertainty.
“We hope that this beautifully-illustrated book, which takes children on a journey across time zones and continents, will help them to understand what they can do to stay positive and keep safe during the coronavirus outbreak,” said Ghebreyesus.
– African News Agency (ANA)
