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EXCLUSIVE Question: COVID-19 has hit all countries hard, but its impact has been harshest on those communities which were already vulnerable, what can leaders and persons of authority do to ensure children from poverty-stricken areas are not overlooked? Answer: “The Families on the Edge study commissioned by UNICEF is a long-term study to explore the effects of the pandemic on women and children in low-income urban families living in low-cost housing in Kuala Lumpur. “It showed that they have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 crisis. So even in Malaysia, we know that inequalities caused certain communities to be impacted differently by the pandemic. “Policy interventions that the government has announced and rolled-out such as PENJANA (short-term economic recovery plan) have helped. However, there is a need for more sustained support targeting the women and children who need it the most.” Question: What are some of UNICEF's concerns with the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine? Answer: “We know that vaccines work. They have slashed child mortality rates and eradicated common childhood diseases, saving millions of lives. We are excited to be part of the world’s largest immunisation campaign to get everyone vaccinated. UNICEF’s singular focus is to ensure equitable and fair access to safe and affordable COVID-19 vaccines for all low and middle-income countries, priority groups, and vulnerable populations. Our target is to have at least 20% of people in all countries vaccinated by the end of 2021. No one is safe unless everyone is safe. Therefore, immunisation campaigns must be inclusive of migrant, refugee and undocumented populations. Otherwise, we risk undermining any attempt at a fast, fair and future-proof recovery. Question: There is still fear and social stigma when it comes to being vaccinated, what can be done to eliminate some of these concerns? Answer: “An important part of the immunisation campaign is to equip people with the right information about vaccines so that they are confident that they are making the right decision to protect themselves, their families and their communities.” UNICEF Representative to Malaysia and Special Representative to Brunei Darussalam Dr Rashed Mustafa Sarwar Question: As a society, how can we reach out to create a fairer, healthier Malaysia? Answer: “A fairer and healthier Malaysia begins when we build a more just and equal world. Where health and access to services are not determined by the conditions in which they born, grow, live, work and age. In Malaysia, this means that every child is able to survive and thrive. And their health and well being is not determined if they have a citizenship, born in the city or countryside, have a disability or not, or the colour of their skin. “This year, we are celebrating UNICEF’s 75th anniversary with the call to reimagine a better world for every child. The pandemic is an opportunity to take a step back to consider how we can build a fairer, healthier Malaysia where no child is left behind.” Question: How has COVID-19 affected children's mental health? Answer: “In 2019, the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS 2019) dubbed mental health issues among children as ‘the hidden epidemic’. Even before the pandemic, nearly one in 10 children were reported struggling with mental health issues. At the start of the movement control order (MCO) in March 2020, UNICEF conducted a survey among 500 young people, that indicated 77% wanted more information on maintaining their mental health and wellbeing during these times. “Additionally, through the Voices of COVID Generation platform, students have expressed struggling with school closures, feeling depressed, and some explicitly mentioning suicidal tendencies. “UNICEF has collaborated with mental health experts from UM Cares (Universiti Malaya’s Community and Sustainability Centre) to develop content (videos and visuals), on advice and coping mechanisms for adolescents on managing mental health sent directly to them via the #KitaConnect Telegram platform. “UNICEF’s partnership with UM Cares continues in research on the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of marginalised children and adolescents (such as children with disabilities, refugees, undocumented, B40) and identify the needs and current gaps in providing mental health care for these children, adolescents and their caregivers. Question: What is the long-term plan to address this? Answer: “In the longer term, we need to strengthen policies, systems and non-clinical services for the prevention of mental ill-health among children and adolescents. “There is limited data on the situation of adolescent mental health, therefore there is a need to conduct further data collection, in partnership with the government and other agency partners. “UNICEF plans to support research that would provide the necessary evidence to guide the formulation of a more effective advocacy strategy to raise awareness around the issue of mental health, and ultimately to decrease the stigma surrounding it.”

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