RESUMEN
The world is becoming a place where the number of emergencies and humanitarian crises is increasing rapidly due to economic inequality and the gap between developed and underdeveloped countries, as well as climate changes leading to disruption of the natural balance and development of natural disasters. The most vulnerable groups of the population including women and children always are affected by disasters. The younger the child, the more vulnerable he/she is, especially if not naturally fed or having a mother or parents. Various humanitarian organizations have been involved in a number of crises, with the World Health Organization and UNICEF and other United Nations-related organizations leading the way. In the care of mothers, infants and young children, most important is to ensure appropriate nutrition because otherwise it can result in life-threatening health conditions. The lack of protection, support and promotion of natural nutrition (breastfeeding) and its disruption and undermining by uncritical and uncontrolled donations and distribution of infant formula are the biggest challenge due to the lack of information of mothers, those who provide support in emergencies from both governmental and non-governmental sector, without cross-sectoral cooperation, thus causing uncoordinated and sometimes harmful interventions. Therefore, it is recommended that governments issue guidelines on infant and young child nutrition prior to the occurrence of an emergency, and crisis management regulations in which the issue of infant and young child nutrition will be given due consideration.Copyright © 2020 Croatian Paediatric Society. All rights reserved.
RESUMEN
Maternity practices such as skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth, breastfeeding within one hour of birth, rooming-in, and breastfeeding support are considered quality standards in perinatal care and are part of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, a program developed by the World Health Organization and UNICEF. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted and reduced the implementation of these practices, especially in the initial phase of the pandemic. Social distancing has disrupted access to health services intended to educating pregnant women and young families about breastfeeding and parenthood, as well as the availability of breastfeeding support in maternity and neonatology wards and after discharge home. All these changes have negatively affected the emotional health of mothers and families, and the inability to provide personal education and support for breastfeeding has been sought in the virtual world, online courses and counseling. The pandemic has reduced the rate of breastfed children, which in the long-term can have significant negative effects on the health of children, mothers and society as a whole. © 2022 Hrvatski Lijecnicki Zbor. All rights reserved.
RESUMEN
The world is becoming a place where the number of emergencies and humanitarian crises is increasing rapidly due to economic inequality and the gap between developed and underdeveloped countries, as well as climate changes leading to disruption of the natural balance and development of natural disasters. The most vulnerable groups of the population including women and children always are affected by disasters. The younger the child, the more vulnerable he/she is, especially if not naturally fed or having a mother or parents. Various humanitarian organizations have been involved in a number of crises, with the World Health Organization and UNICEF and other United Nations-related organizations leading the way. In the care of mothers, infants and young children, most important is to ensure appropriate nutrition because otherwise it can result in life-threatening health conditions. The lack of protection, support and promotion of natural nutrition (breastfeeding) and its disruption and undermining by uncritical and uncontrolled donations and distribution of infant formula are the biggest challenge due to the lack of information of mothers, those who provide support in emergencies from both governmental and non-governmental sector, without cross-sectoral cooperation, thus causing uncoordinated and sometimes harmful interventions. Therefore, it is recommended that governments issue guidelines on infant and young child nutrition prior to the occurrence of an emergency, and crisis management regulations in which the issue of infant and young child nutrition will be given due consideration. © 2020 Croatian Paediatric Society. All rights reserved.
RESUMEN
Background The COVID-19 pandemic spread to Croatia on February 25, 2020, which required a change in the organization of health care institutions and the provision of health services with as few contacts as possible between staff and patients. Besides, Sisak-Moslavina County on December 29, 2020 hit by a strong earthquake that destroyed most of the facilities of the health care system. The pandemic and earthquake have affected adversely the physical, mental, and social well-being of children and their families. Aim To present the organization of pediatric primary health care in Sisak-Moslavina County in the complex conditions of lack of staff, facilities, and equipment after the earthquake during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results In 2020 749 newborns were born In the Sisak maternity hospital, and about 13,000 children live in the earthquake-affected area. Primary pediatric care covers 8,348 children up to 14 years of age, of which 4,736 children up to 7 years of age are cared for by 7 primary pediatric teams. Out of 4 pediatric outpatient clinics (covered by 3 pediatric teams) in Sisak caring for 5,140 children, two work in containers, and one is dislocated in the suburbs of Sisak. From Glina, the primary pediatric outpatient office caring for 1,247 children was moved to Topusko. In the Petrinja area, two primary pediatric teams are working at the same location as before the earthquake and caring for a total of 1,961 children. Thanks to the UNICEF Office for Croatia and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia, containers, and the most necessary equipment for pediatric teams were acquired. The salutogenic approach to the health of families and children was maintained in an emergency, which included breastfeeding support, continued implementation of pediatric preventive health care measures, including vaccination, care for vulnerable groups of children with disabilities and socially deprived children, and intersectoral cooperation. Conclusions It is needed to increase awareness of the community that delivering pediatric health care in emergencies is essential and could be realized if the appropriate number of health care teams is available. Ensuring spatial and all other conditions for their work should be the highest priority in restoration after the earthquake.