A Child’s Health Is the Public’s Health: Progress and Gaps in Addressing Pediatric Needs in Public Health Emergencies

Abstract

Children are the most prevalent vulnerable population in US society and have unique needs during the response to and recovery from public health emergencies. The physiological, behavioral, developmental, social, and mental health differences of children require specific attention in preparedness efforts. Despite often being more severely affected in disasters, children's needs are historically underrepresented in preparedness. Since 2001, much progress has been made in addressing this disparity through better pediatric incorporation in preparedness planning from national to local levels. Innovative approaches, policies, and collaborations contribute to these advances. However, many gaps remain in the appropriate and proportional inclusion of children in planning for public health emergencies. Successful models of pediatric planning can be developed, evaluated, and widely disseminated to ensure that further progress can be achieved.

Always ready, always prepared—preparing for the next pandemic

“…This section will focus on these 4 areas as well as considerations for direct patient care in the management of critically ill children in pandemics. As we cover the 4 S's of logistics it is important to remember pediatric pandemic preparedness, while improving, is still lacking, and therefore requires significant involvement and advocacy from those dedicated to the care of children (5,6).…”

“…Unfortunately many governmental and hospital system disaster management plans do not fully incorporate pediatric patients into the overall planning process. Despite this, some progress has been made over the past several years through the strong advocacy of pediatric providers and pediatric organizations (5,6).…”

Emergency Preparedness Plans and Perceptions Among a Sample of United States Childcare Providers

“…Children are at increased risk for experiencing several negative physical and mental health conditions as a result of an emergency or disaster. 2,3 While there are some events, such as natural disasters, that cannot always be prevented, there are man-made, intentional events such as the Oklahoma City bombing or school shootings that may purposefully target children because of the emotional pain that can inflict on society as a whole. 3 Over the years, there has been increased interest in the topic of children and preparedness, with much of the attention being given to school-aged children.…”

Emergency Preparedness Is Equally Important as Response in Optimizing the Health and Well-being of the Nation’s Children

“…In this letter, we highlight the crucial partnership between the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and discuss ongoing preparedness activities used to address the call to action put forth by Kuo et al 1 Children are often disproportionately impacted in public health emergencies, as evidenced by the 3 responses described by Kuo et al, 1 yet they remain underrepresented in preparedness planning and activities. 2 To support and improve synergy between public health and the pediatric community, the CDC and AAP have collaborated on several critical preparedness-building activities. In 2016 and 2017, the CDC and AAP collaborated to develop and facilitate a multistate in-person tabletop exercise (2016) and virtual tabletop exercise (2017).…”

“…Natural and man-made disasters will continue to affect communities, and children will often bear a greater burden than other populations. 2 The CDC and AAP have a continuing joint commitment to support the integration of the public health and pediatric communities and to prioritize preparation for children's needs in emergency preparedness to enable our nation's children to thrive.…”