Five charts to start your day
We're overcoming preventable diseases in children globally
In 1988, the World Health Organization launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a groundbreaking campaign aimed at eliminating polio worldwide. Many missions were undertaken to vaccinate children in the most inaccessible regions of the world. This initiative was just one part of a broader effort in the global fight against preventable diseases among vulnerable children. The good news is, we're winning!
Child deaths under the age of five have hit a record low, marking a significant victory that has saved millions of young lives.
The most impressive gains have been in poorer countries. UNICEF reports that in 2022, the number of deaths dropped to 4.9 million, a substantial improvement from the 1 in 11 statistic reported back in 1990. Yet, despite this progress, we are still losing around 13,400 kids each day. There are tough battles ahead, especially for children living on the margins.
Children from the poorest areas or conflict zones are much less likely to reach their fifth birthday. A child in sub-Saharan Africa is 18 times more likely to die young than one in Australia or New Zealand, often due to diseases that we can prevent or treat.
There has been a significant effort from governments, charities and health workers to reduce these deaths, and it's working, but not quickly enough. Key strategies, such as ensuring births are overseen by professionals, caring for mothers and babies before and after birth, improving disease treatment and providing vaccines, have made a huge difference. Addressing malnutrition and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation have also been crucial.
We know how to drastically reduce child deaths. The real challenge lies in ensuring that every child, no matter where they are born, gets a fair shot at life.
Source: Bill Gates
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