UNICEF: Progress made in under-5 mortality rate

NEW YORK, USA, 12 September 2008 Fewer children under the age of five are dying today than in past years, according to the latest data from UNICEF. Globally, the number of young children who died in 2007 dropped to 9.2 million, compared to 12.7 million deaths in 1990.

Since 1960, the global under-five mortality rate has declined more than 60 per cent, and the new data shows that downward trend continues, UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman said as she announced the new figures. UNICEFs Chief of Health, Dr. Peter Salama, attributes the decline in the rate of child mortality to improved maternal health care and disease prevention and control programmes.

Botswana, for example, is providing a very important example of a country with a very high HIV prevalence that has turned the corner and where under-five mortality is starting to go down, said Dr. Salama. We think that is really because theres been enormous progress in coverage of anti-retroviral treatment for adults, and increasingly for children, and the coverage for prevention of mother-to-child transmission has been extremely high.

To read the full story, visit: http://www.unicef.org/childsurvival/index_45612.html

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[statisticianamuria]

A decline to 9.2 Million from 12.7 for a period of 20 years is so neglible to be proud of....UNICEF still has a lot to do. That declines means that in 100 years or more that is when you wil achieve the target of reducing by two-thirds. It is not satisfactory performance. UNICEF would try to review its programmes to include good political and social mileu for children..It helps a great deal