In 1960, two out of ten children in developing regions died before reaching five. In 1990, this rate had been reduced to one out of ten. Almost half of these deaths are located in sub-Saharan Africa because of the poor health systems, the AIDS epidemic and armed conflicts.
Five illnesses are responsible for half of the infant deaths: pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, AIDS and measles. Most of them could be prevented with the appropriate provisions like antibiotic therapy, oral rehydration to combat diarrhea, use of repellent anti-mosquito nets, antimalaric drugs and immunization.
If we take under consideration that half of these deaths are related to malnutrition, it's basic to guarantee proper nutrition. Also, it's essential to improve healthcare for mothers and children, before and after childbirth to avoid one third of the child mortality caused by neonatal problems.
|