As the health of children improves so does the health of economies and societies. Investing in the health of children helps break the cycle of poverty by supporting the physical and cognitive development that helps children do better and go further in school, earning higher wages and achieving greater physical strengths as adult.
According to UNICEF, if governments are serious about reducing poverty level, achieving greater equity and social stability and increase economic growth, investing in children is imperative. Redoubling our efforts for child survival and development particularly for the most disadvantaged children will be essential to regain any lost ground as a result of recent global economic crisis and building a foundation for more sustainable and equitable development in future.
Malnutrition is an underlying cause for almost half of all child deaths. Roughly, a quarter of all children are also stunted, a condition resulting from malnutrition, which can lead to lifelong and irreversible impacts on growth, brain development and earning potential. To ensure children are well nourished, interventions in the 1,000-day window from pregnancy to age two are critical.
If possible pregnant women and women of reproductive age should be able to access and eat a balanced diet while some micronutrients such as iron, folic acid and calcium may be taken in pills or powder form as a supplement. Also, providing vitamin A to children is encouraged since it reduces overall child deaths by 24 per cent and reduces incidences of both measles infection and diarrhea.
Countries on the frontlines of the fight against preventable child health must prioritise investment in their health system. Maternal and child health services often make up 25 per cent of national budget and should be prioritised through the expansion of health services specifically for primary preventive care.
Health plans must focus on creating coordinated and well-resourced health care systems that are accessible to all including the poorest and hardest to reach children. Also, countries should work with donors to ensure funding support and comprehensive national health plans and also co-financing obligation are met.
Results in child health can only be sustained and deepened if national governments actively work with stakeholders including civil societies to generate community demand for health services, promote healthy behavior and remove the barriers that prevent mothers and children from accessing care.
Every child has a right to health and by working together and sustaining our political commitment to child health we can ensure all children not only live to see their fifth birthday, but are given a healthy start to life full of potential.