Our campaign to save children's lives

The challenge

Almost nine million children die each year before their fifth birthday. That's 24,000 every day. Almost impossible to imagine, isn't it? Most people find that very difficult to think about.

What's even more shocking is that we could easily stop most of these deaths. They are caused by basic illnesses like pneumonia, malaria, or problems during childbirth. The treatments are well-known and relatively cheap.

We tackled high levels of child mortality in rich countries a century ago. Now it's time we stopped it for good in poor countries too.

Why now?

We have an opportunity right now to bring about change. Back in 2000, world leaders promised to cut the number of children under five who die, by two-thirds by 2015. This promise was called Millennium Development Goal 4. It is still possible to reach this goal – but only if we act quickly.

More good news: our global survey shows most people think it's important and possible to save millions of children's lives – even though they over-estimate the cost. This shows us that the world is ready to challenge how governments spend money on healthcare in poor countries.

How can we stop children dying?

It has been proved time and again that it's possible to stop children dying, in both rich and poor countries. The biggest killers of young children today are malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, measles, AIDS, malnutrition, and complications during birth. Treating or preventing these is generally straightforward and inexpensive.

So this is not a race for a new cure. This is a call to action. What we need now is much more determination– from politicians, the public, charities, and businesses – from EVERY ONE, to solve this problem once and for all.

What are we asking for?

We have published a detailed report explaining more about these issues, and calling on governments around the world to do more to save children's lives. Here is a summarised version of those calls:

• All developing countries should have credible plans to reduce the number of children dying in their country
• Governments and other 'donors' need to more-than-double spending on basic healthcare. They must make sure that no developing country with a good plan should fail simply because they don't have enough resources
• The actual amount of investment needed is relatively little, as the report explains

What is Save the Children going to do?

We have the knowledge, experience and track record of saving children's lives to help the world reach these goals. Over the next five years we'll:

• Hold governments to account for their promises to achieve Millennium Development Goal 4
• Double our investment in our own life-saving projects by 2015 to help reach 50 million women and children each year by 2015
• Inspire a public conversation around the world about the unacceptable rates of child deaths to build awareness

What you can do

EVERY ONE of us has the power to save children's lives. Please support our campaign.

• Debate: Start by having your say on this website and join the global conversation with our online poll.
• Demand: Political leaders aren't doing enough to save children's lives. Tell your political representatives you want them to do something about it.
• Donate: It doesn't take much, and your gift can help save a child's life today.

You can find out more about the EVERY ONE campaign in the country where you live or in the one nearest to you.

Save the Children — EVERY ONE
Registered Charity No. 1076822.

The Save the Children Charity is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales.
Company No. 3732267. Its registered office is Cambridge House, 100 Cambridge Grove,
London W6 0LE.

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