An estimated 120 million more children in South Asian countries, including India, are likely to fall into poverty in the next six months

New Delhi: An estimated 120 million more children in South Asian countries, including India, are likely to fall into poverty in the next six months due to the Covid-19 crisis, bringing the total number of such children in the region to 360 million.

This information is given in a new report of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

UNICEFThe report covers eight countries in South Asia. These include India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The report says that an estimated 240 million children in these countries are already living in poverty, including poor health, poor education, poor hygiene and poor quality of work.

The report also highlighted the negative impact of Covid-19 disruption in immunization, nutrition and other essential health services.

PhotoThe worst-case scenario could lead to the deaths of 8,81,000 children aged five years and under and 36,000 mothers in South Asia in the next 12 months, the report said, citing research.

Most of these deaths will be in India and Pakistan. However, higher mortality rates are also seen in Bangladesh and Afghanistan.