Child Health Protection During Emergency Situations

Abstract

Natural disasters such as earthquakes are emergency situations when the fragility of the entire society, especially children, increases. In emergency situations, breastfeeding is crucial due to its unique characteristics: nutrient and bio-immunological content, optimum temperature and readiness for the baby. Ensuring healthy nutrition, maintaining childhood vaccination, preventing infectious diseases, providing sheltering and child safety, and preserving mental health are the basic issues in protecting child health during emergencies. Following the children who have experienced a disaster currently is necessary regarding longterm physical and psychological effects. Moreover, monitoring the growth and development, maintaining the care of children with chronic diseases, and continuity of school attendance are essential under these circumstances. The aim of this article is to present the basic principles of child health protection during emergency situations.