"Latin America has been declared the new epicentre of the global COVID-19 pandemic," says this press release from SOS Children's Villages. "With weak healthcare systems, informal economies and high levels of inequality, the crisis presents an unprecedented challenge for struggling families. Children are especially vulnerable and their families risk collapsing."
The article outlines SOS Children's Villages' priorities for action and response in Latin America, including providing emotional support to vulnerable children and families during lockdown, particularly in Brazil, which "is among the countries worst affected by the pandemic across the globe."
“We must support families with hygiene items and food supplies, but we must also keep in mind the long-term development of children,” says SOS regional programme director, Patricia Sainz. “We are rethinking and changing the way we support families while adhering to our quality standards of protection and care for children.”