Children Suffering Dire Consequences from India COVID-19 Surge

GENEVA - The U.N. children's fund fears the ferocious second wave of COVID-19 in India could spread like wildfire across South Asia and increase multiple health and protection risks for millions of children across the region. 

India recorded more than 414,000 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, the highest number in a single day, including more than 3,900 deaths. As cases continue to surge, the U.N. children's fund says the coronavirus is sickening and killing a growing number of children and infants.    Along with the serious health impacts, UNICEF warns that children are facing a multitude of physical, mental, social and economic risks. UNICEF representative in India, Yasmin Ali Haque, says children are losing parents and caregivers to the virus. This is leaving many destitute and without anyone to care for them.  "While there is not enough data yet, we can see that illegal adoption pleas have surfaced on social media, making these orphans vulnerable to trafficking and abuse," Haque said. "Children are facing mental health issues and are at greater risk of violence, as lockdowns shut them off from their vital support networks."