That according to UNICEF's director for Asia and the Pacific Anupama Rao Singh.
She urged Asian governments to protect millions of vulnerable children.
She told a conference called to assess the impact of the global crisis on children that despite budgetary constraints there is no reason to cut back on social spending.
Singh warned that, based on previous experience, the current economic crisis could result in a 5 to 10 per cent increase in anemia among pregnant women and a 10-per cent rise in low birth weights among babies in severely affected countries.
Singh said while economies in the region have been affected by the global slump, many are still expected to post economic growth, although at a slow pace.
She suggested that social protection programmes be made an integral part of government stimulus packages aimed at reviving economies.
She said that would create jobs for teachers, healthcare workers and social workers.
This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.
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