A current report from UNICEF has revealed that world child mortality rate decreased by half; children younger than 5 years of age has fallen below 6 million from the previous 12.7 million since 1990. The under-five mortality rate has decreased to 81 deaths per 1000 live births in Pakistan alone.
The report disclosed that a convention was established 25 years ago to promote the rights of children.
By year 2000, the world expended the process for the millennium development goals, but the convention was renewed in 2013, announcing the Child Survival call to action – a promise to end child deaths.
The millennium development goal (MDG 4) had aimed to reduce the death rate of children below the age of five by two-thirds. However, it decreased the rate by only half; although the world was able to save 48 million lives since 2000.
While progress has been made with a quick acceleration from scarce resources and other hurdles, reporters believe, while focusing on the future, that the child mortality rate can still be bent, proving a clear message of “We can choose a better future for the world’s children- if we want to.”
The report further explained that although the world seems to be reaching the MDG goals, there is much to be done and it’s the right time to take charge to reach the new global agenda and targets. To maintain the current rate and level of progress by the end of MDG period this year, nations will need to strengthen their political involvement. As per the date of the publication, 79 countries had an under-five mortality rate that exceeded 25 per 1000, including Pakistan.
Although 32 of these countries are expected to reach the targets, results will only be achieved if they sustain the rate of progress. Experts comment that irregular patterns have been observed in Pakistan and its progress cannot be anticipated from prior demographics.
