The National Council for Children’s Services has asked various parties responsible for the upbringing of children to ensure they uphold the safety of their young ones during emergencies.
Council Chairperson Sophia Abdinoor has warned that failure to keenly look after the children has exposed them to unnecessary challenges that hamper their well-being.
“Children are among the most vulnerable during natural disasters and multiple challenges including physical, emotional and psychological problems that can have long-lasting consequences if not addressed effectively," she said.
Addressing the media today at the NSSF Building in Nairobi, Abdinoor explained that during flood situations, children are usually at risk of coming into contact with dangerous waters such as increased volumes, fast-rising waters and other hazardous contacts.
“Ensuring physical safety of children is therefore paramount through early warning systems, evacuation plans and emergency shelters among other actions," she added.
The Chairperson said the trauma experienced during floods can have a profound impact on children’s mental and emotional well-being.
She said Children are susceptible to the risks due to their developing immune systems.
At the same time, the Chairperson has called on parties to provide the necessities that children require.
She said access to potable water, adequate sanitation facilities, and appropriate healthcare services is indeed crucial.
“Moreover, it is essential to provide them with psychosocial support, counselling services, and a conducive child-friendly environment that will allow them to express their feelings,” Abdnoor further said.
She at the same time commended the government for postponing the reopening of schools, describing it as a caring move for children.
“It is however our prayer that this will take the shortest time possible and we shall engage in the right discourses to come up with strategies for the continuity of learning,” added the Chairperson.
Abdinoor said investing in long-term recovery and resilience-building measures is crucial to mitigate the long-lasting impacts of the disaster.
Present at the event was the Council’s Chief Executive Officer Abdinoor Sheikh Mohamed among others.
