The U.S.-based global independent humanitarian organization reports that Egypt has succeeded in saving their children's lives by 68 percent in the past 15 years, yet Iraq's child mortality rates for children in this age group have dramatically increased by 150 percent since 1990.
Prior to the current war, the children in Iraq already suffered from a lack of clean water, not enough hospitals to treat them, and electricity shortages. One out of every eight child is dying by the age of 5 in Iraq, according to the report.
Disease and violence plaque Iraq's youngest citizens. Many die of complications in their first month of birth.
Lack of vaccinations, dehydration, and unhealthy living conditions continue to increase for the children of Iraq.
Egypt has been able to increase the rates of the lives of their youngest citizens by simply making improvements in care for pregnant mothers and helping to make sure a skilled healthcare person is attending to the birth of their children.
In addition, Egypt has been active in the increase of healthcare spending by more than 200 percent since 1994.
"More than 10 million children under age 5 still die each year. That's almost 28,000 a day-almost all in developing countries," said Save the Children President and CEO Charles MacCormack.
"The interventions that can save these lives, such as vaccines, oral re hydration therapy and insecticide-treated mosquito nets are not expensive. Yet, sadly, many mothers and children lack access to these lifesaving measures," MacCormack added.
Save the Children urges everyone to take action by donating to the Health Innovation Fund, contacting your Congressional representative and requesting the support of the Global Child Survival Act, and by staying informed about the conditions of the children around the world.
More information can be obtained from the organization's website at www.SaveTheChildren.org .
