WUNRN
STATE OF THE WORLD'S MOTHERS 2007
SAVING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN UNDER
AGE 5
Save the Children
Direct Link to Report:
Website Link - Save the Children:
Video:
"More than half a million women
die from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes each year, a number that has
changed very little in past decades. Nearly all of these deaths occur in the
developing world where, every year 60 million women give birth at home, without
a skilled person to help them. When a mother dies from childbirth, it means
almost certain death for her newborn and increases the risk of death for her
other young children."....
"Within countries, death rates
among the poorest children are higher."....
"Children born to poor mothers
in rural areas face great challenges to survival. Children born in rural areas
are 21% more likely to die in the first month of life compared to those in
urban areas. These babies are often born at home, without any contact with the
health system."....
"In many communities in South
and Southeast Asia, the birth process is seen as 'ritually unclean,' so it
occurs in relative isolation in a dark, unhygienic part of the home or outlying
animal shelter. The newborn is placed on a dirt floor immediately after birth,
and breastfeeding is discouraged for several days. The mother and her newborn
are often left alone for up to two weeks, with little help from the family, let
alone the health system."....
"The poorest children are also
much more vulnerable to death and disease than other children because of
greater exposure to unclean water, poor sanitation, indoor pollution, and
inadequate housing conditions."....
"Safeguarding health during
early childhood is more important than at any other age. Good nutrition in the
first 5 years helps children to grow better and avoid lifelong
disabilities that will hinder their progress in school and throughout
life."....
"Mothers' health represents
children's best hope for survival. When a mother dies, is weakened by disability,
or is ovewhelmed by the needs of many children, her children's lives are
threated - and too often lost. Conversely, if a mother's health and well-being
are supported in tandem with child survival efforts, then mothers,
children, and all of society benefit."....
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