According to the report that UNICEF/WHO joint press release, the number of deaths in children under age five is decreasing at a rapid rate. Though the very poor countries, children healthcare and preventative measures are clearly still making a difference from this press release. The article states that the mortality rate in Sub-Saharan Africa is "declining twice as fast as it was a decade ago." Sub-Saharan Africa is a region with highest number of under-five deaths in the world. Even though this is the case, women's health care is another aspect that can be improved greatly to continue the decline of child deaths. When the mothers are treated properly in the pre-natal stage and they are educated on how to safely prepare for their baby, the children have a much higher chance of having a healthy childhood. On the other hand, the majority of the deaths are due to infectious diseases, care for the mother will still help to eliminate those whos' deaths concern lack of pre-natal care. Because a common theme among healthcare articles is education for prevention, organizations must make sure that all parties are being properly educated. The men, woman, and children must know preventative measures they can take to lead a healthier lifestyle (or the healthiest possible given the poor conditions.) Because the mortality rates seem to be improving greatly, the purpose of this article is to not only show the decline but also to make people aware that the number of those children dying every day is still vast and there is always further room (and a crucial need) for further improvement.
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_59795.html
It's a very nice change to hear about something good happening in the world. It seems like in this class everything is so morbid. It is very nice to hear that foreign aid is actually WORKING. While the number of deaths are still high, they are declining, which means we are making progress, and things will just take time to solve completely.
ReplyDeleteThe efforts in declining the child mortality rates have been one of the more successful outcomes of the Millennium Development Goals. It is reassuring to see the work put into helping developing countries turn out effectively. Simple ways such as educating mothers and providing prenatal care save the lives of countless children in the developing regions. The efforts in reducing this statistic demonstrate the importance of international health aid and supporting those in need.
ReplyDeleteThe number of deaths with children under five is a great health improvement. This means that children are living longer as a result to improved health conditions. Those that contributed to these improved health conditions should be congratulated and pushed to further their charity and work. It’s great that the rate is decreasing, help needs to continue to get the rate as close to zero as possible.
ReplyDeleteAlthough this is a positive view of the changes in child mortality rates, it fails to indicate the disaggregate data and compare it to the goals of the Millennium Development Goals. Reported August 31, 2011, the newborn mortality rate is still high - at 41%. This puts the Millennium Development Goal at risk in terms of child mortality decrease and shows that not nearly enough is being done towards achieving this goal. The most effective way in reducing child deaths is undoubtedly through prenatal care, but with only a little over 3 years left until the deadline of the MDGs, it will be difficult to see such substantial results.
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