Confronting the Challenges
Despite the exciting progress made in improving the
health of those living in the developing world, challenges
continue to face developing countries.
- In 2000, 11.1 million children under the age of
five died, primarily due to preventable illnesses
such as diarrhea and acute respiratory infection.
- Over her lifetime, a woman in Africa has a one in
13 risk of dying during pregnancy and childbirth.
More than half a million women die each year from
causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.
- At the end of 2001, 40 million adults and children
were infected with HIV/AIDS. By 2010, it is estimated
that more than 44 million children in 34 developing
countries will have lost one or both parents. The
majority of these deaths will result from AIDS.
- The world's population is over 6.1 billion, and
rapid population growth continues to put a strain
on developing economies and natural resources.
- At least 135 million children in developing countries
struggle to survive without the support and protection
of parents. These vulnerable children are the innocent
victims of extreme social and economic distress,
natural disaster, disease, armed conflict, and exploitation.
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