From NAPNAP’s President:

With a specific focus on optimizing child and family health, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) condemns all attacks on civilian populations and health care facilities and workers, which have been protected under the Geneva Conventions for more than 100 years. Aggression and violence negatively impact the short- and long-term physical and mental well-being of children and their families and lead to humanitarian crises around the world.

With more than 100 children killed, 130 injured and 1.5 million displaced from Ukraine, the ongoing illegal invasion has triggered a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing global pandemic. The number of displaced persons could exceed that of World War II.

NAPNAP stands in awe of the courageous health care work force caring for patients under impossible conditions in Ukraine – lack of safe facilities, adequate supplies and staff. We gratefully applaud health care providers and aid workers in neighboring countries screening and treating refugees, especially traumatized youth. We urge world leaders to designate funds and supplies to support the health and safety of Ukrainians – those remaining in their homeland and those fleeing the terror.

“As founder of the Alliance for Children in Trafficking (ACT), NAPNAP joins international groups expressing grave concerns for the 1.5 million children who have been displaced and could become trafficking victims,” says NAPNAP and NAPNAP Partners for Vulnerable Youth President Andrea Kline-Tilford, PhD, CPNP-AC/PC, FAAN. “Health care providers around the world should become familiar with signs of child trafficking to identify and aid children, adolescents and young adults who are victimized during crises.”

NAPNAP believes all children around the world should have access to nutritious food, clean air and water, safe shelter, equitable physical and mental health care, and quality education.

You can learn more about helpful resources and international aid:

• Alliance for Children in Trafficking – NAPNAP Partners for Vulnerable Youth
• Information for Helping Children, Teens, and Their Families Cope with War and/or Terrorism – NAPNAP
• International Committee of the Red Cross 
• International Medical Corps 
• Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders 
• World Central Kitchen
• Project Hope
• International Rescue Committee 

March 22, 2022