10 facts on child health

A group of children eating from a bowl of prepared food, Sudan
WHO/Yassir Abo Gadr

October 2011

About 7.6 million children under the age of five die every year - nearly 900 every hour. Most of these children could survive and thrive with access to simple, affordable interventions.

The loss of a child is a tragedy - families suffer and human potential is wasted. WHO is improving child health by helping countries to deliver integrated, effective care in a continuum, starting with a healthy pregnancy for the mother, through birth and care up to five years of age. Investing in health systems is key to delivering this essential care.

Read more about child health

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