Huge Disparities in Child Mortality

"Don't refuse to go on an occasional wild goose chase; that is what wild geese are made for." —Henry S. Haskins

HUGE DISPARITIES IN CHILD MORTALITY

According to the article, "The Diverse World of Early Childhood," in the July, 2002 issue of Child Care Information Exchange, there are huge disparities in child mortality rates among nations. The article states:

"Despite all the advances in medicine and ecology, there still exists a huge difference in the survival potential of children born in rich and poor nations.

* Out of every 1,000 children born in Europe, only five will die before the age of five.

* Out of every 1,000 children born in Sub-Saharan Africa, anywhere between 200 and 300 will die before reaching the age of five.

This is a staggering difference. We have at hand the technology and the resources to bring mortality rates worldwide into the low range; all we lack is the will."