Econ. Crisis may raise child mortality
The World Health Organization (WHO) says only a stronger political commitment can prevent a rise in children's mortality rate at a time of global economic crisis.
Addressing a gathering on maternal and child health in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, WHO Director General Margaret Chan said on Saturday, “During the previous decade, the number of under-five deaths dropped well below 10 million (per year) for the first time in almost six decades and kept on dropping.”
"The figure [is] now standing at 7.6 million deaths worldwide," added Chan, calling for a high-level political commitment to protect and improve the achievements, AFP reported.
The biggest maternal mortality rate declines were reported in East Asia and North America, where they reached around 60 percent,
Chan also warned that the global economic turmoil could affect children’s death rates.
Even the world’s richer nations have recorded no recent improvements and a recent spike in food prices is a worrying sign, according to the UN official.
“Historically these intentions, expressions and concerns have not been met by the highest level of political commitments” at a time of economic uncertainty, Chan further pointed out.
“The first few years of a child’s life are make or break,” said Chan, adding, “Without proper nutrition, the stunting we are seeing is horrific.”
Source: presstv.ir
