CHAPTER 18 Global Health of Children

Currently more than 1.2 billion children younger than 18 years of age in the world 21,000 children each day 15 every minute die 12,000 fewer deaths per day than occurred in 1990 (Hogan et al., 2010; UNICEF, 2011; You, Jones, & Wardlaw, 2011) Millions of children continue to suffer the consequences of illnesses, malnutrition, and injuries –Grantham-McGregor et al., 2007

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Background and Historical Perspective

Childhood Mortality and Morbidity Statistics Measuring Health in Children Mortality rate is number of deaths occurring in an age range divided by the number of children entering that particular age range in a given period of time. In 2010, there were 57 deaths per 1000 children younger than the age of five (WHO, 2011c; You et al., 2011).

Health Problems for Children Neonatal Deaths Pneumonia Diarrheal Disease Malaria and Measles HIV/AIDS Injuries Other Causes of Death in Children

NEONATAL DEATHS ~ 41% of all child deaths occur during the neonatal period (first 28 days) Leading causes of death for these nearly 3.6 million neonates include –severe infection –birth asphyxia –complications of prematurity – low birth weight –congenital conditions –(Global Health Council, 2011; You et al., 2010).

Larger Ramifications of Children’s Health Problems –Impaired Learning and Other Disabilities –Disasters and Child Trafficking –Health Issues Later in Life –Adolescents –Mental Health –Marginalized Groups

Approaches to Child Health Around the World Global Health Council, 2006 proven prevention Exclusive breast feeding Immunizations Micronutrient supplementation Complimentary feeding Antibiotics Oral rehydration therapy Antimalarial drugs insecticide-treated bed netting

WHO’s Six-Point Agenda has emphasized six strategies to continue a forward direction in achieving the MDGs: Promoting health development by focusing on equity Fostering health security through strengthened international health regulations Strengthening the world’s health systems so services reach all populations, especially poor and underserved populations Harnessing research, information, and evidence to set priorities, define strategies, and measure results Enhancing partnerships with UN agencies and other international organizations, donors, civil society, and private sector to achieve results Improving performance by concentrating on efficiency and effectiveness (WHO, 2011c)

Future Challenges Research and Technology Various influences such as: Politics Economics Culture