With half the children under five in India being malnourished, the present Covid-19 crisis could further impact child nutrition and service delivery across the country that is in the grip of a ferocious second wave, said the UN Children's Fund UNICEF.

She noted that schools across the country remain closed, and remote learning is also disrupted in several states.

"This is tearing 247 million children in elementary and secondary education away from these safe spaces, just when they need them most. In addition, many children do not have access to digital learning. Learning loss will therefore continue for children in India.

The UN official noted that India is in the grip of a ferocious second wave of Covid-19.

She said, "What is happening in India should raise alarm bells for all of us.

The pandemic is far from over. Covid-19 cases are rising at an alarming rate across South Asia, especially in Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Entire health systems could collapse, leading to more tragic loss of life.

The UN official said, "While there isn't enough data yet, we can see that illegal adoption pleas have surfaced on social media, making these orphans vulnerable to trafficking and abuse.

UNICEF has sent critical lifesaving supplies to support India at this difficult time. For example, 3,000 oxygen concentrators, testing kits and other critical equipment in place.

It has sent additional critical lifesaving supplies to India, including two million face shields and 200,000 surgical masks.

 Additionally 2,000 more oxygen concentrators will arrive by the second half of May with another 2,650 being procured.