Humanitarian paediatrics: A statement of purpose

Abstract

From pandemics to war, from climate change to disasters-in humanitarian settings, children bear a disproportionate burden. Half of all deaths among children under five years occur in such settings [1]. Globally, one in six children-approximately 450 million-lived in a conflict zone in 2020 [2]. In 2021, children represented 41% of displaced people despite only comprising 30% of the population [3]. Yet, for children, the humanitarian machinery is ill-fit for purpose.