Lockdowns and school closures around the world due to COVID-19, are affecting children’s learning, mental health, and access to basic health services.

In the Pacific Islands, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are working with governments and partners to stop transmission and keep children and their families safe.

In an interview for UN News, UNICEF Pacific Representative, Sheldon Yett, painted a grim picture of parents and caregivers losing their jobs, compounding the problem of shuttered classrooms.

Speaking to Julia Dean from the UN’s Australia office, Mr. Yett highlighted the importance of focussing on how the pandemic is impacting children, and vulnerable families who rely on social services.