Despite significant progress in reducing child mortality and stillbirths since 2000, a new report from the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) has found that millions of children around the world are still at risk due to unequal and limited access to basic services.
Released on March 24, the report examined global trends in child mortality and stillbirths, highlighting the continued challenges and disparities that exist in providing essential services to children and their families.
While the numbers are promising, with a 57% decrease in child mortality and a 44% reduction in stillbirths since 2000, the report also sheds light on the alarming reality that progress is not equally shared among all children. In fact, children from the poorest and most disadvantaged communities are still facing the highest risks.
The report found that in 2019, an estimated 5.2 million children under the age of five died from preventable causes. This translates to around 14,000 deaths every day, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, the report highlights that children born into the poorest households are two and a half times more likely to die before their fifth birthday than those from the wealthiest households.
These statistics are not just numbers, they represent the lives of innocent children who deserve a fair chance at survival and a bright future. Yet, the reality is that children from marginalized communities are facing a multitude of barriers that prevent them from accessing essential services such as healthcare, nutrition, and education.
One of the main reasons for this disparity is the limited availability and accessibility of basic services in these communities. Many families do not have access to quality healthcare facilities, leaving them vulnerable to preventable diseases and illnesses. In addition, lack of education and awareness about proper nutrition and hygiene practices also contribute to the high rates of child mortality and stillbirths.
Moreover, the report also highlights the impact of poverty on child survival. Children from poor households are more likely to suffer from malnutrition, which weakens their immune system and makes them more susceptible to diseases. Poverty also forces families to make difficult choices, such as having to choose between sending their child to school or having them work to support the family’s income.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these existing challenges, with families facing increased economic hardships and disruptions in essential services. The report estimates that the pandemic could potentially cause an additional 200,000 child deaths in 2020 alone, further widening the gap between the rich and the poor.
However, the report also offers hope by highlighting successful interventions and strategies that have proven effective in reducing child mortality and stillbirths. These include efforts to improve access to quality healthcare, promoting education and awareness about proper nutrition and hygiene practices, and addressing the root causes of poverty.
The United Nations and its partner organizations are committed to working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, which include targets to end preventable child deaths and ensure healthy lives for all children. This report serves as a wake-up call for governments, policymakers, and individuals to prioritize investment in essential services and address the underlying factors that contribute to child mortality and stillbirths.
We must all join hands and work together to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the basic services and opportunities they need to survive and thrive. This includes providing quality healthcare, education, and nutrition, as well as addressing issues such as poverty and gender inequality.
In conclusion, while the progress made in reducing child mortality and stillbirths is commendable, the UN IGME report serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done. We must not let the current challenges and disparities hinder our efforts to create a better world for all children. Every child’s life is precious and deserves to be protected and nurtured. Let us strive towards a future where no child is left behind.
