“The long-term impact of closing schools is likely to further harm children, their future and their communities,” says Unicef.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) call on African governments to promote the reopening of schools closed for almost six months, taking steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. “The prolonged and unprecedented school closures to protect students from Covid-19 are doing even more damage,” the two UN agencies said in a joint statement.
WHO and Unicef ”urge African governments to promote the safe reopening of schools, while taking measures to limit the spread of the virus”. “Just as countries are opening businesses safely, we can reopen schools,” said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa. To limit risks, WHO and Unicef recommend regular hand washing, disinfection and daily cleaning of surfaces, water installations and good waste management.
*With AFP
