Frequently Asked Questions
How many children under the age of five die each year?
What are the major causes of child mortality?
How do child survival programs contribute to development?
How does an investment in child survival benefit U.S. interests?
How much money does USAID contribute to child survival?
Which countries have USAID child survival programs?
How many children under the age of five die each year?
Almost 10.5 million children under five die each
year. Most live in developing countries, 74 percent
in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. However, this
number is declining as a result of investments
in child survival and health programs. View the Under-five
Child Mortality Rates Graph [PDF, 18KB].
What are the major causes of child mortality?
Five causes account for 70 percent of child deaths
in developing countries: Mortality
Chart [PDF 60KB]
USAID child
survival programs emphasize the prevention and appropriate treatment
of these conditions.
How do child survival programs contribute to development?
Child survival programs save lives and promote
sustainable economic development through
increased productivity. This is accomplished not only
by helping children to survive, but also helping them
grow up healthy and well nourished so they can become
good students and productive workers.
Child survival helps build stability by meeting
basic needs. Instability in the developing world is a major threat to
world peace. By helping countries meet one of the most basic aspirations
of their people—the expectation that their children will live and thrive—child
survival programs promote effective government and stability.
How does an investment in child survival benefit U.S. interests?
Child survival programs can pay economic dividends to the U.S. over the long term. For example:
- Between 1967 and 1977, the U.S. contributed
$84 million to the global smallpox eradication effort. In every year
since 1977, the U.S. has saved an estimated $150 million, primarily
because we no longer have to vaccinate our children against this
disease.
How much money does USAID contribute to child survival?
In fiscal year 2002, USAID contributed $391million
to child survival programs, 23% of the total USAID
health budget. Learn
more about USAID funding for child survival.
Which countries have USAID child survival programs?
USAID has implemented child survival activities
in more than 100 developing and transitional countries.
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