Call for efforts to end deaths of children under five

Easily preventable causes such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malnutrition, better access to health care, are claiming the lives of over 5000 children under the age of 5 every day in India alone. Simple, locally relevant, cost effective solutions can turn things statistics around, according to World Vision India.

"From malnutrition figures to scandals, lakhs and millions have started to mean nothing. The simple fact that malnutrition may claim the lives of lakhs of Indian children and the futures of the ones that survive is a worrying fact for India," says Newton Isaac, Head, Child Health Now, World Vision India.

While scores of young parents will have to bury their children, India is sealing its future with a generation of children who will most likely be unable to live out their full potential because of the lasting effects of an undernourished childhood.

In the 174 locations where World Vision's staff live and work in most vulnerable situations, the NGO has seen that progress is possible. Together with communities, other CSOs and the Government, people are able to find local, relevant solutions to problems that challenge the life that every child is entitled to.

To raise awareness and generate more support so that all children survive 5, World Vision organised a Global Week of Action. Almost 11 lakh Indians and over 21 lakh people worldwide have raised their hands demanding child health now.

Dr Jayakumar Christian, CEO and National Director, World Vision India draws attention to the fact that as India joins the global stage, these voices of support will be heard echoing in the corridors of power to ensure that India is a nation fit for children. A nation where parents don't have to choose between meals for their children. A nation that doesn't just have good policy, but one that sees its implementation through.

The support generated as part of this global campaign is just the start of mobilisation of support for children under 5. Much more remains to be done, says World Vision. Healthcare delivery systems need to be resourced and improved, the health system needs to be reinforced, budgetary allocations improved and out of pocket expenditures reduced.