Unfortunately we are getting used to hearing news about hunger, child labor and diseases that affect millions of children around the world, until one that gives us a slap in reality arises.
In sub-Saharan Africa, one child in six does not survive more than five years, and the saddest thing is that the causes are avoidable.
That is the conclusion reached by the study presented by UNICEF on The state of childhood in Africa 2008. As expected, the status of children on the most punished continent in the world is unfortunate, although paradoxically, infant mortality has decreased by 14% in the last 16 years. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve one of the Millennium Goals, to eradicate child death in the world.
The figures in the report are not to be taken lightly. In 2006, five million children under 5 died in this region, that is, 14,000 deaths per day.
The most frequent deaths are due to diseases such as diarrhea or malaria that can be easily prevented with the use of mosquito nets, insecticides and educating mothers to avoid food shortages and malnutrition of children. Sounds simple measures, within reach of those of us on this side. But there it sounds like gold.
Great achievements have already been made in the North African region with regard to infant mortality, so the road is already open. All that is left is commitment and cooperation at all levels to achieve it.
I don't want to go into politics, but then they wonder why pregnant women risk crossing the entire continent and the sea in search of a better life for their children. In this report is the answer.
