How serious is this issue?

Close to 11 million children die every year before reaching their fifth birthday (World Health Organization [WHO], 2006). That equates to about 20 per minute, or 30 thousand per day (WHO). These appalling numbers are capturing worldwide attention, thereby identifying child mortality as an issue of major concern that needs to be addressed.

What are some major causes?

Most of the child deaths are related to numerous causes such as pneumonia, diarrohea, measles, malaria, neonatal causes and malnutrition (WHO).

Where do most of the deaths occur?

Almost all of the deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, namely countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia (WHO).

What is currently being done and/or has been done in the past?

Various international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nation Children's Fund (UNICEF) and World Vision, have already developed campaigns and other initiatives that help developing countries in many different ways. In addition, there are internationally organized medical teams, such as Doctors Without Borders, where nurses, doctors and other health care professionals deliver health care in developing countries. Despite the positive results that have come from these campaigns and initiatives, interventions to reduce child mortality are not reaching the children who need them most, particularly in very poor countries (Bryce et al., 2003).