Child Health in Statistics


Posted on 06-05-2009	Translate this page

Child Health in Statistics According to the World Bank, each year over 10 million children will die before reaching their 5th birthday. While these numbers are predominantly higher in low and middle income countries, it reveals the prominent link between poverty and its related vulnerability of health and wellbeing. The United Nation reports that over the last 17 years, child mortality rates have increased in atleast 15 countries. Read more here. The Global Health Council reports that almost 99% of all child deaths occur in middle and low income countries. Read more here. Of all under-5 deaths, 42% occur in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 29% occur in South and South East Asia. However, the leading causes behind these deaths vary greatly by region. Read more here. UNICEF reports that half of all under-5 deaths among children are confined to developing countries with large populations, including India, Pakistan, China, DRC, and Ethiopia. Read more here. Although the UN Millennium Development Goals require a reduction in infant and child mortality, as well as provisions to reduce child and infant malnutrition and HIV/AIDS rates - committments, policies and interventions so far have been inadequate. Many child health indeces have systematically worsened over the last few years.