Every day in the world, millions of children die from diseases that are treatable, trivial, easy to prevent and have long been eradicated in Western countries. A phenomenon that should horrify: the inequality in the right to health of children , a particularly widespread violated right, largely in Africa and southern Asia, unfortunately generating many victims. What are the main causes?
One of the main ones is poverty and lack of knowledge in terms of hygiene, nutrition and disease prevention which derives from the lack of education on the subject, which is particularly widespread.
Why is the right to medical and health care so difficult to achieve in the southernmost countries of the world?
Children Health/Infant mortality in the world
Although much has been done in recent decades, the situation is still serious. In 2020, about 5 million children did not pass the fifth year of life (Child mortality under 5 years – WHO). Sub-Saharan Africa is the continent most affected: in this area the infant mortality rate still exceeds 10%, this means that one in 10 children does not reach their fifth year of life (Africa Key Facts and Figures for Child Mortality – USAID). To these data, we must add that on neonatal mortality: 2 out of 1000 children die within the twenty-eighth day of birth (Newborn Mortality – WHO).
What are the main reasons
It is perhaps the most puzzling aspect. Most, if not almost all, of these deaths occur from causes that would be easily preventable: birth complications, pneumonia, diarrhea, intrapartum complications .
What are the most common diseases and what can be done to prevent and treat them
Diarrhoea, pneumonia, malaria and measles are the main causes of deaths in children between the first and fifth year of life.
Keep in mind the following information:
- Pneumonia is the leading cause of infant mortality. To prevent the main risk factors, food and vaccinations should be ensured for children . While antibiotics are essential for the treatment of the disease.
- Diarrheic diseases are particularly prevalent in the southernmost countries of the world. Breastfeeding is one of the most effective forms of prevention. Oral rehydration solutions and zinc supplements can save the lives of children with diarrhea.
- Every minute that passes, a child dies of malaria . To prevent it, mosquito nets and specific insecticides would be enough.
- About 20% of child deaths within the fifth year of life could be prevented by following a few simple dietary rules: breastfeeding for the first six months of life, balanced and complete nutrition .
- More than 90% of HIV-infected children are infected directly from their mother. Thanks to antiretroviral drugs, these children could still hope to have a normal life.
One last piece of data: it is estimated that malnutrition is the cause or contributory cause of about half of the deaths of children under the age of five.
What are the major causes?
They are diverse, ingrained and difficult to eradicate. Among the main ones is the lack of schools, either too expensive or too far away. Often, it is the same parents who do not understand the importance of education and prefer that their children work from an early age or stay at home to lend a hand.
The worst consequences fall on girls. Many families with little means prefer to let their sons study. Girls are, in many cases, forced into forced marriages so as not to be a burden to their parents
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What are the consequences
World poverty and illiteracy are two closely related problems. In fact, the lack of education prevents one from knowing what one’s rights are and how to claim them. Furthermore, those who are not educated do not even have the possibility of finding decent work. The consequence, as always, is poverty. In a sort of vicious circle from which it is difficult to escape.
A story to tell many
It belongs to a child named Chuon who resides in Cambodia. Her aspiration was to work as a teacher and support the other young women in her area. In a rural and isolated part of Pursat Province, Ma Chuon was born into a very low-income family. It’s too pricey and too distant to get to school. In these circumstances, her desire runs the risk of being unfulfilled, and she would be doomed to a life of abject poverty.
The Convention on the Rights and Health of the Child
From article 24, paragraph 1, of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child : States parties recognize the right of the child to enjoy the best possible state of health and to benefit from medical and rehabilitation services. They strive to ensure that no minor is deprived of the right to have access to these services.
Words that couldn’t be clearer. The States signatories to the Convention undertake to ensure that children no longer die of easily preventable diseases. And we too want to do our part to achieve that goal. Give your contribution through distance support and help us make a difference in the lives of less fortunate children.