Plan for the Worst, but Hope for the Best: Investing in Pediatric Services.

In low- and middle-income countries, approximately 250 million children aged <5 years (43% of this population) will fail to attain their potential because of adversities and deficient socioeconomic conditions that they face during their early years. However, the risk of poverty or social exclusion is also a real threat in many areas traditionally considered economically privileged. Currently, approximately 30 million European children living in the Eurozone are facing poverty, a dramatic decline in opportunities, and denial of their rights. The current economic, financial, and social crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is increasing these risks. Projection data indicate that the pandemic will take its toll on society, particularly on younger people, for some time to come, undermining social welfare, including healthcare systems, in low-, medium-, and high-income countries alike. The aim of this commentary written by the Working Group on Social Pediatrics of the European Paediatric Association and the Union of National European Paediatric Societies and Associations is to emphasize the importance of investing in pediatric health and services, calling for early action to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-related global economic recession on young people.