The full effect of the pandemic - and ensuing lockdowns - is just starting to become clear as countries take stock
New research focused on Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka where there has been more than 186,000 deaths so far, now adds to that tragic mortality toll, 228,000 additional deaths of children under five in these six countries due to crucial services, ranging from nutrition benefits to immunisation, being halted.
It says the number of children being treated for severe malnutrition fell by more than 80% in Bangladesh and Nepal, and immunisation among children dropped by 35% and 65% in India and Pakistan respectively.
The report also says that child mortality rose the highest in India in 2020 - up by 15.4% - followed by Bangladesh at 13%. Sri Lanka saw the sharpest increase in maternal deaths - 21.5% followed by Pakistan's 21.3%.
It also estimates that there have been some 3.5 million additional unwanted pregnancies, including 400,000 among teenagers, due to poor or no access to contraception.
Covid-19 disruptions killed 228,000 children in South Asia, says UN report - BBC News
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