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Page last reviewed: September 6, 2022
Summary
The number of children who have experienced the loss of a parent or caregiver due to COVID-19-related deaths is estimated at 10.5 million globally as of May 1, 2022, a recent modelling study co-led by CDC reveals.
The September 2022 study published in JAMA Pediatrics updates previous findings to provide the most current estimates of COVID-19-associated orphanhood and caregiver loss during the first 26 months of the pandemic (March 1, 2020 – May 1, 2022). The study uses the best available and most conservative COVID-19 excess mortality data published by the World Health Organization (WHO), to update global minimum estimates of orphanhood.
While COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations are declining in some parts of the world, in low-income countries the COVID-19 death toll is four times higher than in high-income countries. Additionally, one-third of the world’s population remains unvaccinated in low-income countries. These conditions pose a continuing threat of orphanhood from COVID-19. ...
Summary
- Globally, millions of children have become orphans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Orphanhood increases the likelihood of poverty, abuse, delayed development, mental health challenges, reduced access to education, and institutionalization.
- The number of children in urgent need continues to grow.
The number of children who have experienced the loss of a parent or caregiver due to COVID-19-related deaths is estimated at 10.5 million globally as of May 1, 2022, a recent modelling study co-led by CDC reveals.
The September 2022 study published in JAMA Pediatrics updates previous findings to provide the most current estimates of COVID-19-associated orphanhood and caregiver loss during the first 26 months of the pandemic (March 1, 2020 – May 1, 2022). The study uses the best available and most conservative COVID-19 excess mortality data published by the World Health Organization (WHO), to update global minimum estimates of orphanhood.
While COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations are declining in some parts of the world, in low-income countries the COVID-19 death toll is four times higher than in high-income countries. Additionally, one-third of the world’s population remains unvaccinated in low-income countries. These conditions pose a continuing threat of orphanhood from COVID-19. ...
