World children’s day: investing in the health of future generations
Every year, November 20 represents a global call to action to promote the rights of children, especially their right to health. Children’s health is the foundation on which their future is built and their ability to learn, grow and contribute to their communities. However, millions of children face serious health challenges that threaten their lives and well-being.
Historical context: a global pillar of children‘s rights
The date of the International Children’s day reflects the world’s commitment to the protection of children. From the adoption of the declaration of the rights of the child in 1959 to the signing of the convention on the rights of the child in 1989, Child Health has become a major focus of global efforts to improve the living conditions of children, by providing basic health care, preventing diseases, and ensuring a safe living environment.
Health challenges: numbers speak
Despite progress, children‘s Health faces multiple crises:
- 5.2 million children under five die annually from preventable causes, such as pneumonia and diarrhea.
- More than 45 million children are emaciated due to malnutrition, which increases the risk of death and disease.
- 1 in 5 children suffer from a lack of access to basic vaccines, which increases the risk of fatal diseases.
Urgent health issues
1. Malnutrition
Malnutrition is one of the biggest health challenges. Children with a lack of food face impaired development, a decrease in immunity, and an increased risk of death. In poor areas, 45% of child deaths are affected by malnutrition-related diseases.
2. Infectious diseases
Despite advances in vaccines, diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and measles continue to threaten the lives of children in developing regions. Reports indicate that 70% of deaths of children under five occur in Africa and South Asia.
3. Climate crises and their impact on health
Climate changes are increasing the spread of diseases associated with polluted water and poor sanitation, putting millions of children at risk of developing diarrheal diseases, which are one of the leading causes of child mortality.
The importance of intervention: how can we protect children’s health
– Strengthening primary health care programs
Ensuring access to preventive health care services, including vaccinations and basic treatments, can significantly reduce child mortality.
– Improving food security
Investing in school feeding programs and supporting low-income families can help fight malnutrition.
– Responding to humanitarian crises
In conflict and disaster zones, children’s health should be a priority through the establishment of health emergency centers and the provision of medical and food assistance.
– Innovation in healthcare
Using technology to develop innovative solutions, such as cheaper vaccines and applications that help with early diagnosis, can contribute to improving children’s health.
Call to action: together to protect children‘s health
World children’s day is an opportunity to unite efforts by governments, international organizations, and civil society to ensure every child’s right to health. We invite everyone to:
- Support global health programs: donate to international health organizations that work to improve children‘s health.
- Raising awareness: highlighting pressing health issues through the media and social networks.
- Investing in scientific research: supporting research related to children’s diseases and developing sustainable solutions to address them.
In conclusion: healthy children, a brighter future
The health of children is not an individual responsibility, but a global obligation. Investing in Child Health today means reducing the burden on future health systems, promoting societal stability, and building a world where every child has the opportunity to live healthy and happy.
