Save the Children is launching the Newborn and Child Survival Campaign in over 40 countries on all 5 continents on 5th October 2009. The aim of the campaign is to reduce the number of children who die before their 5th birthday by two thirds by 2015.
Currently that number stands at approximately 9 million worldwide with the South African contribution being 75 000 children a year – that works out to 260 a day!!! 20 000 children are stillborn and another 22 000 die before they reach one month of age. Unlike some of our African neighbours who have succeeded in reducing their child mortality rates significantly in recent years, South Africa’s rate is actually increasing. This is unacceptable given existing government policy, our infrastructure, a relatively stable economy and the fact that the causes of death are preventable.
This is probably the biggest global campaign ever with many different organizations and countries all working towards a common goal.
