Problem
Every child has the right to education, health and protection yet, millions of children worldwide are denied a fair chance [1,2]. Many children are not enrolled in primary education, they miss critical development opportunities that affect the rest of their lives [2]. Children are also at a higher risk of getting and dying from preventable diseases, with problems exacerbated by malnutrition and lack of water and sanitation [3,5]. Around one billion children each year experience a form of emotional, physical or sexual violence that causes long-term or permanent damage [2,4].

Facts and Figures 

• Around the world, one out of five children lives in extreme poverty, living on less than US$1.90 a day [2].

• Nearly 250 million children live in countries and areas affected by armed conflict [2]. 

• About 75 percent of the childhood deaths are caused by pneumonia, diarrheal diseases, malaria, neonatal pneumonia or sepsis, preterm delivery, or asphyxia at birth, which are all preventable [3]. 

• From one month to five years of age, the main causes of death are pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria and measles. [5]

• Malnutrition is estimated to contribute to more than one third of all child deaths [5].

Solution 
Interventions geared towards helping children should focus on covering  basic needs, addressing underlying causes for each issue and ensuring that the most effective and low-cost solutions are implemented [4-6]. This can be achieved by investing in quality research, improving transparency and implementing monitoring mechanisms to provide solutions with the highest impact [7]. More attention needs to be given to strengthening local health systems and improving access to quality education which can also improve other aspects of children’s lives [6].

Sources

1. OHCHR - Declaration of the Rights of the Child (declaration)  

2. United Nations - Children (link) 

3. The Fundamental Role of Science and Technology in International Development: An Imperative for the U.S. Agency for International Development, 2006 (research paper) 

4. WHO - How can violence against children be prevented? (link) 

5. WHO - What are the key health dangers for children? (link)

6. The Fundamental Role of Science and Technology in International Development: An Imperative for the U.S. Agency for International Development - Chapter 2 (research paper) 

7. WHO - Clinical Trials in Children (link)