Millions of children could be saved

Time to ponder on figures is now running out. It is time for action!

This was the challenge set by World Vision South Africa (WVSA) when the organization launched its Child Health Now advocacy and awareness campaign in Johannesburg on 20 October. The organization is alarmed at the fact that the South Africa infant mortality rate for children under five years old stands at 75 000 per annum (Medical Research Council).

The aim of this five year long global campaign by World Vision is to reduce the preventable deaths of children under the age of five.

Graced by World Vision International President, Mr Kevin Jenkins, the launch attracted a variety of high profile stakeholders including, child friendly organisations, partnership representatives and government officials. Both local and international media also attented the function and gave prominent attention to the WVSA campaign.

According to Jenkins, World Vision is investing $1.5 billion (US) globally over the next five years into strengthening maternal and child health programmes to make child health a reality.

This year is an important milestone in the global push to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The health goals, particularly those for child and maternal health (MDGs 4 and 5) are the most off-track with nearly 9 million children under the age of five and over 350 000 mothers still dying each year.

Through Child Health Now, World Vision is calling for urgent action to save mothers and children from preventable deaths. “It’s a crisis that merits the most attention from the best brains and resources in the country. We are called to create a better world for the next generation to inherit, and to ensure that all our children are equally able to enjoy life to the fullest”, said Jenkins.

Working in partnership with the government, WV South Africa endeavors to address the basic health needs of children, more especially those in rural areas. WVSA National Director and CEO, Lehlohonolo Chabeli believes the country holds great potential to significantly increase awareness and implementation of proven low-cost preventative measures, including proper food, clean water and sanitation.