The Impact of COVID-19 on Children, Young People, and Families in Sihanoukville, Cambodia: The Mitigating Work of M’Lop Tapang

Abstract

ABSTRACT Globally, children have been adversely affected by the wide variety of impacts of SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus | COVID-19). Vulnerable children who depend on the support of education and health and social care systems were left unprotected as these systems were weakened by the pandemic. COVID-19 has exposed the already fragile situations in which many children and young people live and that thousands of children and young people would need ongoing support but remained invisible to statutory authorities. COVID-19 has also been a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals and societies and it has exposed deep divisions, inequalities, and injustices between different countries and groups of people. M’Lop Tapang is a local nonprofit organization registered with the Royal Government of Cambodia. This report discusses the efforts of M’Lop Tapang following the declaration of the COVID-19 global pandemic in early 2020, to address the local community needs; to ensure the voices of children remained heard; and to promote children’s rights remaining a priority throughout the remainder of the pandemic. What is already known on this topic Vulnerable children are dependent on remaining visible to education and health and social care systems to ensure they are safeguarded and protected. Poor safety, financial instability, unemployment, challenges to children’s rights and displacement all have the potential to increase vulnerabilities and intensify inequalities. The COVID-19 global pandemic has widened the global lens for the nursing profession and to effect change, children’s nurses need to think globally and act locally. What this study adds This study provides insights into the challenges faced by children and families in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, during the early part of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID19) pandemic in 2020–2021. The economic impact of COVID-19 on children and families living in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, between 2020 and 2021 is reviewed. The learning from the pragmatic and rapid interventions of M’Lop Tapang, Sihanoukville during the early phase of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, are of use in other countries around the world in future epidemic or pandemic situations.