Accra:The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has called for stronger measures to protect children from the health and social impacts of the recurring haze crisis, emphasizing the need for access to healthcare, education, and essential support during school closures.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UNICEF Malaysia deputy representative Sanja Saranovic highlighted that approximately nine out of ten of Malaysia's nine million children are exposed to harmful fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This exposure could penetrate deeply into the lungs and bloodstream, potentially leading to serious health issues. She noted that children are especially vulnerable due to their developing lungs, brains, and immune systems, with the risk of long-term damage beginning before birth.

While recognizing the necessity of school closures to protect children from poor air quality, Saranovic pointed out that prolonged disruptions could negatively impact learning and well-being, particularly for those lacking devices or reliable internet for home-based learning. Schools not only provide education but also offer daily routines, trusted adult guidance, peer connections, and essential meals and social support.

In response to these challenges, Saranovic outlined four priorities helping families prepare, ensuring continuity of learning, maintaining healthcare and social support access, and enhancing preparedness plans in schools and clinics. She advocated for clear communication to families about school closures and practical advice on minimizing exposure to polluted air. Schools should offer offline learning materials and self-learning kits for those without digital access.

Saranovic also emphasized the importance of haze preparedness plans in schools and healthcare facilities, which should be linked to official air-quality information and health guidance. Low-cost air-quality monitors could assist schools in evaluating local conditions. In areas heavily affected by haze, air purifiers in schools could be considered as part of a targeted strategy, acknowledging the associated costs and prioritizing schools in greatest need.

Furthermore, Saranovic stressed that addressing the haze crisis requires joint efforts by Malaysia and neighboring countries to prevent forest and peatland fires, enhance air-quality monitoring, and ensure greater accountability from governments and businesses, while protecting the livelihoods of affected communities. She underscored that children depend on adults to make decisions that impact their health and safety and have a right to be involved in such discussions.