Forgotten orphans left behind in pandemic

A global study of pandemic deaths led by researchers at The Australian National University (ANU) has revealed why some countries have seen a greater number of children who have lost one or both parents due to COVID-19. The analysis - based on data released in 2021 - found fertility rates, poverty, vaccine coverage and the concentration of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease in certain age groups all contribute to a larger risk of children becoming orphaned during the pandemic. ANU researcher Callum Lowe said while there are countries where the orphan rate is much higher than Australia, the data shows that an estimated 1,800 to 1,900 young Australians lost at least one parent during the pandemic.  "We think of COVID-19 as a disease that largely affects older people, but we have forgotten about the young people and children that are left behind," Mr Lowe said.  "These are children that may have lost one or, sometimes tragically, both parents. They were grieving in lockdowns, away from other family and friends and without the routine of normal school life.  "That has an impact on their mental health, their education and their wellbeing over the long term.  "It highlights that COVID-19 isn't just having an impact now but is having a huge effect on the next generation."  Australia's COVID-19 orphan rate is estimated at 0.13 - that means for every 100 deaths caused by COVID-19 about 13 young people have lost one or both their parents. In some countries such as Angola, the orphan rate is more than two, meaning the number of children orphaned is at least double the number of people who have died from COVID-19.